Load safeguard systems

ABSTRACT

A system for improved monitoring of changes in the location and conditions surrounding vehicles and shippable property, utilizing fixed and moveable logic processors, which communicate with each other as well as receivers. Non-continuous signaling may be used to provide for reduced power consumption, and network coupling may be used to provided for exporting information to anywhere in the world by means of, for example GSM/GPS infrastructures.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of, and claimspriority from, related U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No.10/650,545, filed Aug. 27, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,972,677, entitled“MONITORING SYSTEM”, which is related to and claims priority from priorU.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/406,110, filed Aug. 27,2002, entitled “MODULAR, POST-PROGRAMMABLE RADIO FREQUENCY LOCATION,IDENTIFICATION, TRACKING, MONITORING, INTERROGATION AND SENSING SYSTEM,COMPONENTS AND METHODS” and also from related U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 60/452,261, filed Mar. 6, 2003, entitled “UNIVERSALRADIO LOCATION, INTERPRETIVE MONITORING AND EVEN TIMING SYSTEM ANDMETHOD” the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by thisreference and are not admitted to be prior art with respect to thepresent invention by the mention in this cross-reference section.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to providing systems for improved monitoring ofchanges in the location and conditions within vehicles and the materialstransported by vehicles. More specifically, this invention relates toreal-time monitoring of changes in the location and conditions withinshipping vehicles and the loads transported within such shippingvehicles.

Perishable products now arrive at distribution centers and stores fromincreasingly distant production sites. The increasing shipping distancesnow imposed on product supply chains greatly increase the risk ofproduct deterioration during transit. A wide variety of food,pharmaceutical, and chemical products are degraded by improper exposureto temperature, humidity, light or other contaminants. For example,maintaining optimal temperatures throughout the supply chain is vitalfor perishable, refrigerated and frozen products. Transport storagetemperatures above or below a narrow optimum range for a perishable itemoften reduces a product's shelf life by hours or days. In the case ofperishable produce, damage often becomes apparent only after the productshipment has been delivered and accepted; thus more and more a delivereemay hesitant to accept a load unless there is sufficient evidence thatthe load has been maintained during shipment in this desired temperaturerange. For pharmaceuticals, the efficacy of a product degraded duringtransit may have immediate life-threatening consequences.

In addition, national security interest has recently focused on themotor trucking industry. The trucking industry is a major component ofthe U.S. transportation sector, but currently lacks effective systems toprevent trucks and cargo from being used as tools by terrorists or as ameans for moving contraband. The ability to track and monitor, in realtime, the contents and location of vehicles during transit would providean effective means for countering illegal or terror-based activities.

Inadequate monitoring of changes in the location and conditionssurrounding shipping vehicles and shipped materials has resulted inspoilage, damage, misplacement, loss, and theft of extremely valuableproperty. A system capable of efficiently monitoring, in real-time,changes in location and surrounding conditions of hazardous, perishable,refrigerated and frozen materials, during transit, would be extremelybeneficial to many.

OBJECTS AND FEATURES OF THE INVENTION

A primary object and feature of this invention is to overcome theabove-stated problems.

Another primary object and feature of the present invention is toprovide a system for coupled communication between logic processors anda receiver within on or more transport vehicles. It is a further objectand feature of the present invention to provide such a system forproviding coupled communication between sensors and receivers. It is afurther object and feature of the present invention to provide such asystem capable of communicating at varied frequencies. It is a furtherobject and feature of the present invention to provide such a systemcapable of communicating at periodic frequencies. It is a further objectand feature of the present invention to provide such a system capable ofcommunicating at non-continuous frequencies. It is a further object andfeature of the present invention to provide such a system capable ofoptimized power consumption when communicating at non-continuousfrequencies.

It is a further object and feature of the present invention to providesuch a system utilizing wireless systems. It is a further object andfeature of the present invention to provide such a system utilizinglogic-processor specific power sources. It is a further object andfeature of the present invention to provide such a system utilizingelectric circuits. It is a further object and feature of the presentinvention to provide such a system utilizing electric circuit firmware.It is a further object and feature of the present invention to providesuch a system utilizing signal-modified firmware.

It is a further object and feature of the present invention to providesuch a system utilizing wireless receptors. It is a further object andfeature of the present invention to provide such a system utilizingwireless receptors capable or targeting particular signals by modifyingtheir read-range. It is a further object and feature of the presentinvention to provide such a system where a receiver is communicativelycoupled to external networks.

A further primary object and feature of the present invention is toprovide such a system that is efficient, inexpensive, and handy. Otherobjects and features of this invention will become apparent withreference to the following descriptions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this inventionprovides a load safeguard system, co-operable with at least onedatabase, for monitoring, within at least one determinable environment,at least one item requiring monitoring of at least one sensiblecondition, comprising, in combination: a set of first logic-processormeans, for logical transacting with receivable information, respectivelyassociated with a respective set of locations within at least onedeterminable environment; and a plurality of second logic-processormeans, for logical transacting with receivable information, respectivelyassociated with a plurality of such at least one items; whereinessentially each of said set of first logic-processor means comprisesfirst communicator means for communicative coupling with essentiallyeach of said plurality of second logic-processor means; whereinessentially each of said plurality of second logic-processor meanscomprises second communicator means for communicative coupling withessentially each of said set of first logic-processor means; whereinessentially each of said plurality of second logic-processor meanscomprises sensor means for sensing at least one environmental condition;and wherein essentially each of said set of first logic-processor meanscomprises third communicator means for communicative coupling with suchat least one database. Moreover, it provides such a system, wherein:such at least one item comprises at least one shippable package; andsuch at least one determinable environment comprises at least oneshipping environment. Additionally, it provides such a system, wherein:such at least one item comprises perishable produce; and such at leastone determinable environment comprises at least onetemperature-controllable shipping truck.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this inventionprovides a system, co-operable with at least one centrally-readabledatabase, for monitoring items within a local area, comprising, incombination: a plurality of first logic-processor means, for logicaltransacting with receivable information, respectively associated with aplurality of locations within the local area; and a plurality of secondlogic-processor means, for logical transacting with receivableinformation, respectively associated with a plurality of the items;wherein essentially each of such plurality of first logic-processormeans comprises first communicator means for communicative coupling withessentially each of such plurality of second logic-processor means; andwherein essentially each of such plurality of second logic-processormeans comprises second communicator means for communicative couplingwith essentially each of such plurality of first logic-processor means.

Moreover, it provides such a system further comprising receiver meansfor receiving communicated information from at least one of the groupconsisting essentially of each of such plurality of firstlogic-processor means and each of such plurality of secondlogic-processor means. Additionally, it provides such a system furthercomprising database means for manipulating such receivable information.Also, it provides such a system wherein such first communicator meansand such second communicator means each comprise wireless system meansfor wirelessly assisting communicative coupling. In addition, itprovides such a system wherein such receiver means comprises wirelessreceptor means for receiving communicated information. And, it providessuch a system wherein essentially each of such plurality of firstlogic-processor means and essentially each of such plurality of secondlogic-processor means comprise identifier means for uniquely identifyingessentially each one of such plurality of first logic-processor meansand essentially each one of such plurality of second logic-processormeans.

Further, it provides such a system further comprising sensor means, forsensing local information, attachable to at least one subset of at leastone of the group consisting essentially of each of such plurality offirst logic-processor means and each of such plurality of secondlogic-processor means. Even further, it provides such a system whereinessentially each of such plurality of first logic-processor means andessentially each of such plurality of second logic-processor meanscomprise power source means for providing electrical power. Moreover, itprovides such a system wherein essentially each of such plurality offirst logic-processor means and essentially each of such plurality ofsecond logic-processor means comprise power-life-extender means forextending at least one life of such power source means by assistingintermittent operation. Additionally, it provides such a system whereinsuch first communicator means and such second communicator meanscomprise at least one frequency within the range consisting of: radiofrequency; ultrasonic frequency; and UV frequency.

Also, it provides such a system wherein such first communicator meansand such second communicator means comprise non-continuous signalermeans for providing non-continuous communications. In addition, itprovides such a system wherein such non-continuous signaling meanscomprises optimized signaler means for providing optimized powerconsumption when generating non-continuous communications. And, itprovides such a system wherein essentially each of such plurality offirst logic-processor means and essentially each of such plurality ofsecond logic-processor means comprises electric circuit means forprocessing data. Further, it provides such a system wherein suchelectric circuit means comprises firmware means for providingmodification of such plurality of first logic-processor means andmodification of such plurality of second logic processor means.

It also provides such a system wherein such first communicator meansfrom at least one of such plurality of first logic-processor means iscommunicatively coupleable with at least one of such plurality of secondlogic-processor means so that such firmware means of such at least oneof such plurality of second logic-processor means may be modified bysuch first communicator means. Even further, it provides such a systemwherein such second communicator means from at least one of suchplurality of second logic-processor means is communicatively coupleablewith at least one of such plurality of first logic-processor means sothat such firmware means of such at least one of such plurality of firstlogic-processor means may be modified by such second communicator means.Moreover, it provides such a system wherein such receiver meanscomprises network coupler means for communicative coupling with at leastone of the group consisting of: Internet; personal computers; personaldigital assistants; local area networks; radios; cellular phones;wireless networks; and personal computer memory card internationalassociations (PCMCIA's) for wireless applications.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this inventionprovides a system, co-operable with at least one centrally-readabledatabase, for monitoring items within a local area, comprising, incombination: a plurality of first logic-processors structured andarranged to provide logical transaction with receivable information,respectively associated with a plurality of locations within the localarea; and a plurality of second logic-processors structured and arrangedto provide logical transaction with receivable information, respectivelyassociated with a plurality of the items; wherein essentially each ofsuch plurality of first logic-processors comprises at least one firstcommunicator structured and arranged to communicatively couple withessentially each of such plurality of second logic-processors; andwherein essentially each of such plurality of second logic-processorscomprises at least one second communicator structured and arranged tocommunicatively couple with essentially each of such plurality of firstlogic-processors.

Additionally, it provides such a system further comprising at least onereceiver structured and arranged to receive communicated informationfrom at least one of the group consisting essentially of each of suchplurality of first logic-processors and each of such plurality of secondlogic-processors. Also, it provides such a system further comprising atleast one database structured and arranged to manipulate such receivableinformation. In addition, it provides such a system wherein such atleast one first communicator and such at least one second communicatoreach comprise at least one wireless system structured and arranged towirelessly assist communicative coupling. And, it provides such a systemwherein such at least one receiver comprises at least one wirelessreceptor structured and arranged to receive such receivable information.

Further, it provides such a system wherein essentially each of suchplurality of first logic-processors and essentially each of suchplurality of second logic-processors comprise at least one identifierstructured and arranged to uniquely identify essentially each one ofsuch plurality of first logic-processors and essentially each one ofsuch plurality of second logic-processors. Even further, it providessuch a system further comprising at least one sensor structured andarranged to sense local information, attachable to at least one subsetof at least one of the group consisting essentially of each of suchplurality of first logic-processors and each of such plurality of secondlogic-processors. Moreover, it provides such a system whereinessentially each of such plurality of first logic-processors andessentially each of such plurality of second logic-processors compriseat least one power source structured and arranged to provide electricalpower.

Additionally, it provides such a system wherein essentially each of suchplurality of first logic-processors and essentially each of suchplurality of second logic-processors comprise at least onepower-life-extender structured and arranged to extend at least one lifeof such at least one power source by assisting intermittent operation.Also, it provides such a system wherein such at least one firstcommunicator and such at least one second communicator comprise at leastone frequency within the range consisting of: radio frequency;ultrasonic frequency; and UV frequency.

In addition, it provides such a system wherein such at least one firstcommunicator and such at least one second communicator comprise at leastone non-continuous signaler structured and arranged to providenon-continuous communications. And, it provides such a system whereinsuch at least one non-continuous signaler comprises at least oneoptimized signaler structured and arranged to provide optimized powerconsumption when generating non-continuous communications. Further, itprovides such a system wherein essentially each of such plurality offirst logic-processors and essentially each of such plurality of secondlogic-processors comprise at least one electric circuit structured andarranged to process data. Even further, it provides such a systemwherein such at least one electric circuit comprises at least onefirmware structured and arranged to provide modification of suchplurality of first logic-processors and modification of such pluralityof second logic-processors.

The system wherein such at least one first communicator from at leastone of such plurality of first logic-processors is communicativelycoupleable with at least one of such plurality of secondlogic-processors so that such at least one firmware of such at least oneof such plurality of second logic-processors may be modified by such atleast one first communicator. Moreover, it provides such a systemwherein such at least one second communicator from at least one of suchplurality of second logic-processors is communicatively coupleable withat least one of such plurality of first logic-processors so that such atleast one firmware of such at least one of such plurality of firstlogic-processors may be modified by such at least one secondcommunicator.

Additionally, it provides such a system wherein such at least onereceiver comprises at least one network coupler structured and arrangedto communicatively couple such at least one receiver with at least oneof the group consisting of: internet; personal computers; personaldigital assistants; local area networks; radios; cellular phones;wireless networks; and personal computer memory card internationalassociations (PCMCIA's) for wireless applications.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this inventionprovides a method and system for monitoring at least one state of atleast one item associated with at least one healthcare facility bystoring in at least one database such at least one state of such atleast one item, received from a plurality of fixed status broadcastersand a plurality of mobile status broadcasters comprising the steps of:receiving at least one state change of such at least one item from atleast one state sensor by at least one of such plurality of fixed statusbroadcasters; receiving at least one state change of such at least oneitem from at least one state sensor by at least one of such plurality ofmobile status broadcasters; determining requirement to broadcast such atleast one state change by such at least one such plurality of fixedstatus broadcasters; determining requirement to broadcast such at leastone state change by such at least one of such plurality of mobile statusbroadcasters; broadcasting required such at least one state change bysuch at least one of such plurality of fixed status broadcasters;broadcasting required such at least one state change by such at leastone of such plurality of mobile status broadcasters; receiving suchrequired such at least one state change from such at least one of suchplurality of fixed status broadcasters; receiving such required such atleast one state change from such at least one of such plurality ofmobile status broadcasters; storing such required such at least onestate change in such at least one database; and reporting such requiredsuch at least one state change.

Also, it provides such a method and system wherein such at least onestate change comprises: occurrence of at least one event affecting suchat least one item; change of location change of such at least one item;and change of at least one monitored value affecting such at least oneitem. In addition, it provides such a method and system wherein the stepof determining requirement to broadcast such at least one state changeby such at least one of such plurality of fixed status broadcasterscomprises: receiving at least one broadcast requirement rule; andcomparing such at least one state change to such at least one broadcastrequirement rule. And, it provides such a method and system wherein thestep of determining requirement to broadcast such at least one statechange by such at least one of such plurality of mobile statusbroadcasters comprises: receiving at least one broadcast requirementrule; and comparing such at least one state change to such at least onebroadcast requirement rule.

Further, it provides such a method and system wherein the step ofreporting such required such at least one state change comprises:transmission of such required such at least one state change to at leastone local area network; transmission of such required such at least onestate change to at least one personal computer; transmission of suchrequired such at least one state change to at least one cellulartelephone; transmission of such required such at least one state changeto at least one personal digital assistant; and transmission of suchrequired such at least one state change to at least one radio frequencyreceiver. Even further, it provides such a method and system whereinsuch at least one item comprises: infant patients; adult patients; fixedequipment; and mobile equipment. Even further, it provides such a methodand system wherein such step of broadcasting required such at least onestate change by such at least one of such plurality of fixed statusbroadcasters comprises: activating at least one broadcastingtransmitter; broadcasting such required such at least one state changeusing such at least one broadcasting transmitter; and de-activating suchat least one broadcasting transmitter.

Even further, it provides such a method and system wherein such step ofbroadcasting required such at least one state change by such at leastone of such plurality of mobile status broadcasters comprises:activating at least one broadcasting transmitter; broadcasting suchrequired such at least one state change using such at least onebroadcasting transmitter; and de-activating such at least onebroadcasting transmitter. Even further, it provides such a method andsystem wherein such at least one healthcare facility comprises:hospitals; nursing homes; assisted living facilities; offices of medicalpractitioners; and personal residences. Even further, it provides such amethod and system further comprising the step of determining a pluralityof steady-state values for the conditions surrounding such at least onestate sensor and using such plurality of steady-state values as areference for determining, in the future, when a state change hasoccurred.

And this invention provides a useful new format for communicativebits/bytes.

This invention also provides that both First logic-processors and Secondlogic-processors may have the programmed capability to establish theirown sampling rates and statistical analysis methods to determine thenormal or typical sensed conditions of the environment, preferably thesteady-state environment, in terms of absolute values, rate of change ofthese values and the relationships of the various sensed parametersbeing monitored by the First logic-processor or Second logic-processor;and the result of this analysis may result in the onboard microprocessorchanging the sampling rates for one or more sensors, increasing the sizeof a sample for one or more sensors, switching to a different analysisalgorithm and determining an appropriate transmission schedule, powerlevel and even modulation scheme.

Yet further, this invention provides each and every novel detail,feature, article, process, system and/or method disclosed in ormentioned by or shown in this specification, including the drawings, theclaims, the abstract, and any appendices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1-00 is a perspective view of the monitoring system according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1-01 is a diagram of the monitoring system according to a preferredembodiment of FIG. 1-00.

FIG. 1-02 is a diagram of the monitoring system according to a preferredembodiment of FIG. 1-00.

FIG. 1-03 is a diagram of the monitoring system according to anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2-00 is another perspective view of the monitoring system accordingto a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2-01 through FIG. 2-81 provide detailed descriptions of a preferredembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3, comprising FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, FIG. 3C, and FIG. 3D, is aperspective view of a Second logic-processor according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a Receiver flowchart according to a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 5, comprising FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, is a perspective view of a powersource according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6-00 is a perspective view of an electric circuit according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6-01 is another perspective view of an electric circuit accordingto a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7, comprising FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B, FIG. 7C, and FIG. 7D, is a wirelesssystem configurations table according to a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 8 is a firmware flowchart according to a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a network coupler according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10, comprising FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B, is a sensor sampling-planaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a Second logic-processor according toanother preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12, comprising FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B, is an alternative perspectiveview of a Second logic-processor according to a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 13, comprising FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B, is a side view of thesections of a Second logic-processor according to a preferred embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 14, comprising FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B, is a posterior view of thesections of a Second logic-processor for according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention.

Within the specification, reference to a figure number indicatesreference to the set of all lettered figures for that number (forexample, reference to “FIG. 7” indicates reference to FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B,FIG. 7C, and FIG. 7D).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODE AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THEINVENTION

FIG. 1-00 is a perspective view of the monitoring system according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1-01 is a diagram ofthe monitoring system according to a preferred embodiment of FIG. 1-00.Preferably, system 100 comprises systems for improved monitoring ofchanges in the location and conditions within vehicle 2500 and thematerials transported vehicle 2500 within trailer 2502, as shown.

Preferably, system 100 comprises First logic-processors 2110, Secondlogic-processors 2120, first communicators 2111, and secondcommunicators 2121. Preferably, First logic-processors 2110 providelogical transaction with receivable information, respectively associatedwith a plurality of locations within a local area (vehicle 2500 andtrailer 2502). Preferably, Second logic-processors 2120 provide logicaltransaction with receivable information, respectively associated with aplurality of the items. Preferably, First logic-processors 2110 comprisefirst communicators 2111, communicatively coupled with Secondlogic-processors 2120. Preferably, Second logic-processors 2120 comprisesecond communicators 2121, communicatively coupled with Firstlogic-processors 2110. Preferably, First logic-processors 2110 “poll”,or transmit signals, to Second logic-processors 2120. Preferably, Firstlogic-processors 110 may also “poll” for other First logic-processors2120 (and may sometimes be referred to as “pollers”). However, Secondlogic-processors 2120 may also “poll” for First logic-processors 2110,as well as other Second logic-processors 2120 (and may sometimes bereferred to as “transponders”)(embodying herein a plurality of firstlogic-processor means, for logical transacting with receivableinformation, respectively associated with a plurality of locationswithin the local area; and embodying herein a plurality of secondlogic-processor means, for logical transacting with receivableinformation, respectively associated with a plurality of the items).

Preferably, system 100 further comprises Receiver 2130. Preferably,Receiver 2130 receives communicated information from Firstlogic-processors 110. Preferably, Receiver 2130 receives communicatedinformation from Second logic-processors 2120. Preferably, Receiver 2130receives information resulting from “polling”, or signals transmittedbetween logic-processors 2110 and 2120 (embodying herein receiver meansfor receiving communicated information from at least one of the groupconsisting essentially of each of said plurality of firstlogic-processor means and each of said plurality of secondlogic-processor means). Preferably, both First logic-processors 2110 andSecond logic-processors 2120 may comprise Receivers 2130.

Preferably, Receiver 2130 comprises wireless receptor 2162. Preferably,wireless receptor 2162 receives wireless communications. Preferably,Receivers 2130 comprise 16-bit digital attenuators that can becontrolled by the on-board microprocessor either as a result of wirelessor wired instructions from the control center in the case of Receivers2130, or instructions from a logic-processor 2110 or 2120, or a PDA inthe case of a Second logic-processor. Furthermore, the microprocessor ineach case can automatically increase the level of attenuation and reducethe read range if the signal density reaches a point that collisions canoccur causing an excessive level of data errors. A further alternativein the case of First logic-processors 2110 and Second logic-processors2120 is to reprogram the First logic-processors 2110 or Secondlogic-processors 2120 set attenuation level, on site, using the ribboncable programming option. Preferably, wireless receptor 2162 isstructured to enhance sensitivity to signals intended for reception bywireless receptor 2162 (embodying herein wireless receptor means forreceiving communicated information). Preferably, system 100 furthercomprises database 2140. Preferably, database 2140 manipulates theinformation communicated between Receiver 2130, First logic-processor2110, and Second logic-processor 2120 (embodying herein database meansfor manipulating such receivable information).

Preferably, first communicators 2111 and second communicators 2121 eachcomprise wireless systems 2155. Preferably, wireless systems 2155provide for wireless communication of information (embodying hereinwireless system means for wirelessly assisting communicative coupling).Upon reading the teachings of this specification, persons of ordinaryskill in the art will now understand that, considering issues such astechnology, cost, and efficiency, other wireless systems such asinfrared, ultraviolet, acoustic, magnetic, non-radio, etc., may suffice.Preferably, First logic-processors 2110 and Second logic-processors 2120each comprise identifiers 2154. Preferably, identifier 2154 uniquelyidentifies each of the First logic processors 2110. Preferably,identifier 2154 uniquely identifies each of the Second logic processors2120 (embodying herein identifier means for uniquely identifyingessentially each one of said plurality of first logic-processor meansand essentially each one of said plurality of second logic-processormeans). Preferably, the above-described devices are preferably adaptableto comprise on-vehicle components or off-vehicle components asillustrated by gate detector 2504.

Preferably, system 100 further comprises sensor 2150. Preferably, sensor2150 senses local environmental vehicle information. As examples ofsensor 2150 types the following table is provided:

TABLE A Speed, position and orientation:  1) Magnetic position sensors 2) Proximity sensors  3) Hall effect sensors  4) Motion sensors  5)Accelerometers (1D/2D/3D)  6) Fiber optic sensors  7) Infra-red sensors 8) Linear and rotary sensors  9) Liquid level indicators 10) Opticalswitches 11) Potentiometers 12) Resolvers 13) Turbidity sensors 14)Ultrasonic sensors 15) Speed Sensors 16) Vibration sensors 17) Angularsensors 18) Displacement sensors 19) Inclination sensors Pressure, forceand flow: 20) Force Sensers 21) Load Sensors 22) Mass airflow sensors23) Pressure sensers 24) Barometric sensors 25) Vacuum sensors 26)Torque Sensors 27) Differential pressure 28) Contact sensors 29) Bearingwear detectors Thermal and humidity 30) Heat Sensors 31) HumiditySensors 32) Temperature Sensors 33) Thermal Fuses 34) Thermistors 35)Thermostats 36) Dew point detectors Electronic and electrical: 37)Voltage DC/AC 38) Current DC/AC 39) RF signal strength 40) Magneticfield 41) Electric field 42) Electrostatic field 43) Electromagneticfield Biological (TBD): Radiation (Ionizing): 44) Alpha 45) Beta 46)Gamma 47) Neutron X-ray Optical and photoelectric: 48) Color sensors 49)Glossometers 50) Contrast sensors 51) Laser detectors 52) Flamedetectors 53) Object detectors 54) Light Intensity sensors Chemical(liquid/gas): 55) Oxygen concentration 56) Nitrogen concentration 57)Carbon dioxide conc. 58) Ozone concentration 59) Air quality 60) Waterpurity 61) Propane sensors 62) Natural gas sensors 63) Gasoline sensors64) pH level 65) Chlorine Sensors 66) Soil Moisture

Preferably, sensor 2150 senses local information attachable to at leastone subset First logic-processors 2110. Preferably, sensor 2150 senseslocal information attachable to at least one subset of Secondlogic-processors 2120 (embodying herein sensor means, for sensing localinformation, attachable to at least one subset of at least one of thegroup consisting essentially of each of said plurality of firstlogic-processor means and each of said plurality of secondlogic-processor means). Upon reading the teachings of thisspecification, persons of ordinary skill in the art will now understandthat, considering issues such as efficiency, technology, and cost, otherwireless systems may suffice.

Preferably, communicators 2111 and 2121 comprise communicationfrequencies of light or sound, which may travel unobstructed betweenFirst logic-processors 2110, Second logic-processors 2120, receivers2130, and other transmitting and receiving sources. Preferably,communicators 2111 and 2121 comprise communication frequencies withinthe range of radio frequency. Preferably, communicators 2111 and 2121comprise communication frequencies within the range of ultrasonicfrequency. Preferably, communicators 2111 and 2121 comprisecommunication frequencies within the range of ultraviolet frequency(embodying herein first communicator means for communicative couplingwith essentially each of said plurality of second logic-processor means,and embodying herein second communicator means for communicativecoupling with essentially each of said plurality of firstlogic-processor means). Upon reading the teachings of thisspecification, persons of ordinary skill in the art will now understandthat, considering issues such as location mediums, technology, and cost,other frequencies such as infrared, x-ray, etc., may suffice.

Preferably, First logic-processors 2110 and Second logic-processors 2120each comprises power source 2160. Preferably, power source 2160 provideselectrical power. Preferably, power source 2160 comprises power lifeextender 2161. Preferably, power life extender 2161 extends the life ofpower source 2160 by assisting intermittent operation (embodying hereinpower source means for providing electrical power; and embodying hereinpower-life-extender means for extending at least one life of said powersource means by assisting intermittent operation).

Preferably, first communicator 2111 and second communicator 2121 eachoperate at a frequency within the range consisting of radio frequency.Preferably, first communicator 2111 and second communicator 2121 eachoperate at a frequency within the range consisting of ultrasonicfrequency. Preferably, first communicator 2111 and second communicator2121 each operate at a frequency within the range consisting of UVfrequency. Preferably, first communicator 2111 and second communicator2121 each comprise non-continuous signaler 2156. Preferably,non-continuous signaler 2156 (substantially equivalent to 156 of thefollowing Figures) provides for non-continuous communication betweenFirst logic-processors 2110, Second logic processors 2120, and receivers2130. Preferably, first communicator 2111 and second communicator 2121each comprise optimized signaler 2157 (substantially equivalent to 157of the following Figures). Preferably, optimized signaler 2157 providesoptimized power consumption when generating non-continuouscommunications (embodying herein non-continuous signaler means forproviding non-continuous communications, and embodying herein optimizedsignaler means for providing optimized power consumption when generatingnon-continuous communications).

Preferably, First logic-processor 2110 and Second logic processor 2120each comprise electric circuit 2151. Preferably, electric circuit 2151processes information. Preferably, electric circuit 2151 comprisesfirmware 2152. Preferably, firmware 2152 provides for hardware, whichcan be modified as if it were software. Firmware 2152 is also referredto in the arts as “middleware”. Preferably, firmware 2152 can bemodified by wireless system 2155 (embodying herein electric circuitmeans for processing data, embodying herein firmware means for providingmodifiable hardware, embodying herein communicatively coupleable with atleast one of said plurality of second logic-processor means so that saidfirmware means of said at least one of said plurality of secondlogic-processor means may be modified by said first communicator means,and embodying herein communicatively coupleable with at least one ofsaid plurality of first logic-processor means so that said firmwaremeans of said at least one of said plurality of first logic-processormeans may be modified by said second communicator means).

Preferably, Receiver 2130 comprises network couplers 2158. Preferably,network couplers 2158 communicatively couples Receiver 2130 to outsidenetworks 2525, as shown. Preferably, outside networks 2525 is accessibleto remote data points 2527 over at least public network such as Internet2526, as shown. Preferably, network couplers 2158 comprise the Internet,Personal Digital Assistants (PDA's), Local Area Networks (LAN's), andPersonal Computer Memory Card International Associations (PCMCIA's).Upon reading the teachings of this specification, persons of ordinaryskill in the art will now understand that, considering issues such astechnology, cost, and efficiency, other network couplers such as radios,cellular phones, personal computers (PC's), etc., may suffice.

Preferably, system 100 can be used in a wide variety of applicationssuch as remotely locating, identifying and tracking people, items,vehicles or other objects particular to the time they pass a certainlocation, and they can be configured to monitor and adapt to a varietyof sensed conditions. This enables system 100 to be configured for usein locating and determining the status of people, equipment, and otheritems. Such people, equipment, and items may be located in bothmultistory and underground buildings. Preferably, First logic-processors2110 and Second logic-processors 2120 provide for data transmission, aswell as interpretation of data and instructions from remote sources.Preferably, logic-processors 2110 and 2120 provide for codedtransmission between Receiver 2130 and any other sources. Preferably,Receiver 2130 receives, decodes, and presents the information forreview, analysis, and determination of appropriate action. Preferably,such information is stored in database 2140. Furthermore with theability of the Receiver 2130 to send information immediately utilizingwireless system 2155, any information can be delivered in real time toanywhere in the world, all with a single Receiver 2130 or with anarrayed set of identical receivers 2130.

An important aspect of the invention is the modularized nature of theSecond logic-processor 2120 and its mechanical and functionalversatility. Preferably, it consists of three primary elements, two ofwhich are common to all applications and environments describedpreviously. They are the power source 2160 and the communicator 2121.Preferably, these two connectors are sealed and plug together to achievean electrical link. Preferably, signal modifiable firmware 2153 can bemodified by plugging into connector portions 2131 or 2132, as shown inFIG. 3. Preferably, Second logic-processor 2120 comprises at least twoconnection portions, whereby first connector portion 2131 is used forprogramming, and the second connector portion 2132 is used for testingand selecting certain functional options. Preferably, first connectorportion 2131 utilizes a ribbon-type connector. Preferably, firstconnector portion 2131 is located on the portion of Secondlogic-processor 2120 on which power source 2160 is attached. Preferably,second connector portion 2132 is located on an opposite portion fromfirst connector portion 2131 (as described for first connector portion131 and second connector portion 132).

Preferably, second connector portion 2132 is used for testing andselecting certain functional options such as transmitter modulationmode, pulse widths, and frequencies. Preferably, additional connectormay also be connected utilizing second connector 2132. Preferably,connector portions 2131 and 2132 can have a variety of uses from simplya sealed cap that selects the transmission characteristics and protectsthe connector when used only for beacon applications, to use as aconnector for power source 2160, to a choice of active status sensor2150 connections that provide information regarding its host, such aspower off or power on, door open or door closed, switch up or switchdown, temperature hot or temperature cold, light or no light, itemmoving or nonmoving, etc.

Another key feature of the system is the method by which Secondlogic-processor 2120, although configured for real time inventorytracking, can be customized for a wide variety of sensing and conditionsapplications that can all be read together using the same Receiver 2130.Preferably, the method described herein also requires that the contentof communication from Second logic-processor 2120 to the Receiver 2130contain a variable word length and a variable number of words in eachtransmission, depending on its circumstances and instructions from Firstlogic-processor 2110. This is possible because, preferably, the Secondlogic-processor 2120, for all these applications, is the same except forits transmission data content and the choice of desired connectors forconnector portions 2131 and 2132. Preferably, the data-encoding formatis the same for all Second logic-processors 2120 except for the wordlength, number of words in a transmission and the nature of the encodedinformation, although these variables are limited to a predetermined setof options, the option being identified at the beginning of thetransmission. Preferably, the Universal Coding Format used in the Secondlogic-processor 2120's transmissions contain information needed by thedecoder to recognize the data as coming from a particular Secondlogic-processor 2120 configuration. Preferably, the Universal CodingFormat provides information regarding the type of the transmissionencoding scheme (Transmission Type Code), an application specific groupcode, a unique Second logic-processor 2120 code, a First logic-processor2110 code, and a variety of event status or sensor 2150 data bytes,which can each have a different number of bits, or even none at all.Preferably, the nature of the encoded information is programmed into theReceiver 2130 software as a look-up table and identified through theSecond logic-processor 2120's individual code. Preferably, database 2140comprises the encoded information.

The polling scheme can have a variety of features depending on thenature of the application. If the Second logic-processor 2120 isstationary, the polling signal may either be received from a hand heldPDA (serving both as a First logic-processor 2110 and a Receiver 2130)in order to have it send its current status and location informationimmediately instead of at its normal periodic rate, or the pollingsignal will have been received from a First logic-processor 2110 locatedin the vicinity. Typically, the latter signal will be ignored when theSecond logic-processor 2120 is stationary. It is important that Firstlogic-processor 2110 (whether part of a PDA or a site-located Firstlogic-processor 2110) should have only a limited range so as to addressonly those Second logic-processors 2120 within a desired range or radiusof First logic-processor 2110. Preferably, the transmission scheme isset up to have a maximum bit count for each byte, which may be differentfor each byte, and a maximum byte count for each word, which may bedifferent for each byte. Preferably, there may be a different number ofwords in each Second logic-processor 2120 transmission. Preferably,there are only a specific number of different transmission schemes thatare defined by the Transmission Type Code, which is programmed intoReceiver 2130 memory as a look up table.

FIG. 1-01 provides an overview of the basic system components of system100. Preferably, Secure Container Monitoring (SCM) 3001 is adapted toprovide monitoring of temperature, humidity, motion, gas concentration,radiation levels, and the presence of certain chemicals, biochemicalsand other environmental conditions. Preferably, Transponder/Reader 3002is adapted to read all on-vehicle sensors and either passes selecteddata to at least one GPS/GSM/GPRS unit 3006 (or stores it for datadownload), as shown. Preferably, GPS/GSM/GPRS unit 3006 is locatedwithin tractor 3004 or trailer 3005; most preferably, at least oneGPS/GSM/GPRS unit 3006 is located within both tractor 3004 and trailer3005. Preferably, Electrical Hook-up Detector (EHD) 3003 detects theelectrical hook up and the timing of hook up between tractor 3004 andtrailer 3005. Preferably, Engine Sensors (ES) 3007 is be incorporatedinto preferred embodiments of the system, preferably at tractor 3004, asshown. Preferably, Rear Door Status (RDS) 3008 identifies the conditionof the doors and when they are opened and closed. Commonly, trailer 3005is subdivided into multiple compartments, as shown. The dashed lines ofFIG. 1-101 generally indicate the position of such subdivided section,identified herein as Security Container (SC) 3009. Typically, SecurityContainer (SC) 3009 is hung between the rear wheels of trailer 3005 (butmay also be located inside the trailer). Preferably, system 100 isadapted to monitor Wheel/Axle components 3010 for pressure, wheeltemperature, balance, alignment, vibration, brake condition, bearinglubrication, tire condition. Preferably, Trailer Interior Monitor (TIM)3011 monitors interior temperature, humidity, motion, atmosphere.Preferably, Deflection and Vibration Sensors (DVS) 3012, combined withload sensors, can predict potential bed failures. Preferably, TrailerContents Monitoring (TCM) 3013 monitors temperature, humidity, motion,gas concentration, radiation levels, presence of certain chemical andbiochemicals atmosphere within trailer 3005. Preferably, Mechanical Hookup Sensor (MHS) 3014 comprises a motion/vibration sensor to identify thehook up to a trailer and the timing of hook up. Preferably, Load Sensor(LS) 3015 measures trailer weight before and after loading or mid-tripload or unload. Preferably, Trailer Refrigeration Sensors

(TRS) 3016 are preferably incorporated into preferred embodiments ofsystem 100, as shown.

FIG. 1-02 is a diagram of the monitoring system according to a preferredembodiment of FIG. 1-00. Preferably, system 100 comprises a basic UPCBcomponent gouping 2510 comprising at least RF Receiver USST Interface,RF Transceiver Database Interface, Temp Sensor, Motion Sensor,Microcontroller, and RS232. Furthermore, system 100 preferably comprisesa set of modular “add-on” USST UPCB GPS/GSM plug-in components 2511, asshown.

FIG. 1-03 is a diagram of the monitoring system according to anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, system 100comprises First logic-processors 110, Second logic-processors 120, firstcommunicators 111, and second communicators 121. Preferably, Firstlogic-processors 110 provide logical transaction with receivableinformation, respectively associated with a plurality of locationswithin a local area. Preferably, Second logic-processors 120 providelogical transaction with receivable information, respectively associatedwith a plurality of the items. Preferably, First logic-processors 110comprise first communicators 111, communicatively coupled with Secondlogic-processors 120. Preferably, Second logic-processors 120 comprisesecond communicators 121, communicatively coupled with Firstlogic-processors 110. Preferably, First logic-processors 110 “poll”, ortransmit signals, to Second logic-processors 120. Preferably, Firstlogic-processors 110 may also “poll” for other First logic-processors120 (and may sometimes be referred to as “pollers”). However, Secondlogic-processors 120 may also “poll” for First logic-processors 110, aswell as other Second logic-processors 120 (and may sometimes be referredto as “transponders”)(embodying herein a plurality of firstlogic-processor means, for logical transacting with receivableinformation, respectively associated with a plurality of locationswithin the local area; and embodying herein a plurality of secondlogic-processor means, for logical transacting with receivableinformation, respectively associated with a plurality of the items).

Preferably, system 100 further comprises Receiver 130. Preferably,Receiver 130 receives communicated information from Firstlogic-processors 110. Preferably, Receiver 130 receives communicatedinformation from Second logic-processors 120. Preferably, Receiver 130receives information resulting from “polling”, or signals transmittedbetween logic-processors 110 and 120 (embodying herein receiver meansfor receiving communicated information from at least one of the groupconsisting essentially of each of said plurality of firstlogic-processor means and each of said plurality of secondlogic-processor means). Preferably, both First logic-processors 110 andSecond logic-processors 120 may comprise Receivers 130.

Preferably, Receiver 130 comprises wireless receptor 162. Preferably,wireless receptor 162 receives wireless communications. Preferably,Receivers 130 comprise 16-bit digital attenuators that can be controlledby the on-board microprocessor either as a result of wireless or wiredinstructions from the control center in the case of Receivers 130, orinstructions from a logic-processor 110 or 120, or a PDA in the case ofa Second logic-processor. Furthermore, the microprocessor in each casecan automatically increase the level of attenuation and reduce the readrange if the signal density reaches a point that collisions can occurcausing an excessive level of data errors. A further alternative in thecase of First logic-processors 110 and Second logic-processors 120 is toreprogram the First logic-processors 110 or Second logic-processors 120set attenuation level, on site, using the ribbon cable programmingoption. Preferably, wireless receptor 162 is structured to enhancesensitivity to signals intended for reception by wireless receptor 162(embodying herein wireless receptor means for receiving communicatedinformation). Preferably, system 100 further comprises database 140.Preferably, database 140 manipulates the information communicatedbetween Receiver 130, First logic-processor 110, and Secondlogic-processor 120 (embodying herein database means for manipulatingsuch receivable information).

Preferably, first communicators 111 and second communicators 121 eachcomprise wireless systems 155. Preferably, wireless systems 155 providefor wireless communication of information (embodying herein wirelesssystem means for wirelessly assisting communicative coupling). Uponreading the teachings of this specification, persons of ordinary skillin the art will now understand that, considering issues such astechnology, cost, and efficiency, other wireless systems such asinfrared, ultraviolet, acoustic, magnetic, non-radio, etc., may suffice.Preferably, First logic-processors 110 and Second logic-processors 120each comprise identifiers 154. Preferably, identifier 154 uniquelyidentifies each of the First logic processors 110. Preferably,identifier 154 uniquely identifies each of the Second logic processors120 (embodying herein identifier means for uniquely identifyingessentially each one of said plurality of first logic-processor meansand essentially each one of said plurality of second logic-processormeans).

Preferably, system 100 further comprises sensor 150. Preferably, sensor150 senses local information. Preferably, sensor 150 senses localinformation attachable to at least one subset First logic-processors110. Preferably, sensor 150 senses local information attachable to atleast one subset of Second logic-processors 120 (embodying herein sensormeans, for sensing local information, attachable to at least one subsetof at least one of the group consisting essentially of each of saidplurality of first logic-processor means and each of said plurality ofsecond logic-processor means). Upon reading the teachings of thisspecification, persons of ordinary skill in the art will now understandthat, considering issues such as efficiency, technology, and cost, otherwireless systems may suffice.

Preferably, communicators 111 and 121 comprise communication frequenciesof light or sound, which may travel unobstructed between Firstlogic-processors 110, Second logic-processors 120, receivers 130, andother transmitting and receiving sources. Preferably, communicators 111and 121 comprise communication frequencies within the range of radiofrequency. Preferably, communicators 111 and 121 comprise communicationfrequencies within the range of ultrasonic frequency. Preferably,communicators 111 and 121 comprise communication frequencies within therange of ultraviolet frequency (embodying herein first communicatormeans for communicative coupling with essentially each of said pluralityof second logic-processor means, and embodying herein secondcommunicator means for communicative coupling with essentially each ofsaid plurality of first logic-processor means). Upon reading theteachings of this specification, persons of ordinary skill in the artwill now understand that, considering issues such as location mediums,technology, and cost, other frequencies such as infrared, x-ray, etc.,may suffice.

Preferably, First logic-processors 110 and Second logic-processors 120each comprises power source 160. Preferably, power source 160 provideselectrical power. Preferably, power source 160 comprises power lifeextender 161. Preferably, power life extender 161 extends the life ofpower source 160 by assisting intermittent operation (embodying hereinpower source means for providing electrical power; and embodying hereinpower-life-extender means for extending at least one life of said powersource means by assisting intermittent operation).

Preferably, first communicator 111 and second communicator 121 eachoperate at a frequency within the range consisting of radio frequency.Preferably, first communicator 111 and second communicator 121 eachoperate at a frequency within the range consisting of ultrasonicfrequency. Preferably, first communicator 111 and second communicator121 each operate at a frequency within the range consisting of UVfrequency. Preferably, first communicator 111 and second communicator121 each comprise non-continuous signaler 156. Preferably,non-continuous signaler 156 provides for non-continuous communicationbetween First logic-processors 110, Second logic processors 120, andreceivers 130. Preferably, first communicator 111 and secondcommunicator 121 each comprise optimized signaler 157. Preferably,optimized signaler 157 provides optimized power consumption whengenerating non-continuous communications (embodying hereinnon-continuous signaler means for providing non-continuouscommunications, and embodying herein optimized signaler means forproviding optimized power consumption when generating non-continuouscommunications).

Preferably, First logic-processor 110 and Second logic processor 120each comprise electric circuit 151. Preferably, electric circuit 151processes information. Preferably, electric circuit 151 comprisesfirmware 152. Preferably, firmware 152 provides for hardware, which canbe modified as if it were software. Firmware 152 is also referred to inthe arts as “middleware”. Preferably, firmware 152 can be modified bywireless system 155 (embodying herein electric circuit means forprocessing data, embodying herein firmware means for providingmodifiable hardware, embodying herein communicatively coupleable with atleast one of said plurality of second logic-processor means so that saidfirmware means of said at least one of said plurality of secondlogic-processor means may be modified by said first communicator means,and embodying herein communicatively coupleable with at least one ofsaid plurality of first logic-processor means so that said firmwaremeans of said at least one of said plurality of first logic-processormeans may be modified by said second communicator means).

Preferably, Receiver 130 comprises network couplers 158. Preferably,network couplers 158 communicatively couples Receiver 130 to outsidenetworks. Preferably, network couplers 158 comprise the Internet,Personal Digital Assistants (PDA's), Local Area Networks (LAN's), andPersonal Computer Memory Card International Associations (PCMCIA's).Upon reading the teachings of this specification, persons of ordinaryskill in the art will now understand that, considering issues such astechnology, cost, and efficiency, other network couplers such as radios,cellular phones, personal computers (PC's), etc., may suffice.

Preferably, system 100 can be used in a wide variety of applicationssuch as remotely locating, identifying and tracking people, items,vehicles or other objects particular to the time they pass a certainlocation, and they can be configured to monitor and adapt to a varietyof sensed conditions. This enables system 100 to be configured for usein locating and determining the status of people, equipment, and otheritems. Such people, equipment, and items may be located in bothmultistory and underground buildings. Preferably, First logic-processors110 and Second logic-processors 120 provide for data transmission, aswell as interpretation of data and instructions from remote sources.Preferably, logic-processors 110 and 120 provide for coded transmissionbetween Receiver 130 and any other sources. Preferably, Receiver 130receives, decodes, and presents the information for review, analysis,and determination of appropriate action. Preferably, such information isstored in database 140. Furthermore with the ability of the Receiver 130to send information immediately utilizing wireless system 155, anyinformation can be delivered in real time to anywhere in the world, allwith a single Receiver 130 or with an arrayed set of identical receivers130.

An important aspect of the invention is the modularized nature of theSecond logic-processor 120 and its mechanical and functionalversatility. Preferably, it consists of three primary elements, two ofwhich are common to all applications and environments describedpreviously. They are the power source 160 and the communicator 121.Preferably, these two connectors are sealed and plug together to achievean electrical link. Preferably, signal modifiable firmware 153 can bemodified by plugging into connector portions 131 or 132, as shown inFIG. 3. Preferably, Second logic-processor 120 comprises at least twoconnection portions, whereby first connector portion 131 is used forprogramming, and the second connector portion 132 is used for testingand selecting certain functional options. Preferably, first connectorportion 131 utilizes a ribbon-type connector. Preferably, firstconnector portion 131 is located on the portion of Secondlogic-processor 120 on which power source 160 is attached. Preferably,second connector portion 132 is located on an opposite portion fromfirst connector portion 131.

Preferably, second connector portion 132 is used for testing andselecting certain functional options such as transmitter modulationmode, pulse widths, and frequencies. Preferably, additional connectormay also be connected utilizing second connector 132. Preferably,connector portions 131 and 132 can have a variety of uses from simply asealed cap that selects the transmission characteristics and protectsthe connector when used only for beacon applications, to use as aconnector for power source 160, to a choice of active status sensor 150connections that provide information regarding its host, such as poweroff or power on, door open or door closed, switch up or switch down,temperature hot or temperature cold, light or no light, item moving ornonmoving, etc.

Another key feature of the system is the method by which Secondlogic-processor 120, although configured for real time inventorytracking, can be customized for a wide variety of sensing and conditionsapplications that can all be read together using the same Receiver 130.Preferably, the method described herein also requires that the contentof communication from Second logic-processor 120 to the Receiver 130contain a variable word length and a variable number of words in eachtransmission, depending on its circumstances and instructions from Firstlogic-processor 110. This is possible because, preferably, the Secondlogic-processor 120, for all these applications, is the same except forits transmission data content and the choice of desired connectors forconnector portions 131 and 132. Preferably, the data encoding format isthe same for all Second logic-processors 120 except for the word length,number of words in a transmission and the nature of the encodedinformation, although these variables are limited to a predetermined setof options, the option being identified at the beginning of thetransmission. Preferably, the Universal Coding Format used in the Secondlogic-processor 120's transmissions contain information needed by thedecoder to recognize the data as coming from a particular Secondlogic-processor 120 configuration. Preferably, the Universal CodingFormat provides information regarding the type of the transmissionencoding scheme (Transmission Type Code), an application specific groupcode, a unique Second logic-processor 120 code, a First logic-processor110 code, and a variety of event status or sensor 150 data bytes, whichcan each have a different number of bits, or even none at all.Preferably, the nature of the encoded information is programmed into theReceiver 130 software as a look-up table and identified through theSecond logic-processor 120's individual code. Preferably, database 140comprises the encoded information.

The polling scheme can have a variety of features depending on thenature of the application. If the Second logic-processor 120 isstationary, the polling signal may either be received from a hand heldPDA (serving both as a First logic-processor 110 and a Receiver 130) inorder to have it send its current status and location informationimmediately instead of at its normal periodic rate, or the pollingsignal will have been received from a First logic-processor 110 locatedin the vicinity. Typically, the latter signal will be ignored when theSecond logic-processor 120 is stationary. It is important that Firstlogic-processor 110 (whether part of a PDA or a site-located Firstlogic-processor 110) should have only a limited range so as to addressonly those Second logic-processors 120 within a desired range or radiusof First logic-processor 110. Preferably, the transmission scheme is setup to have a maximum bit count for each byte, which may be different foreach byte, and a maximum byte count for each word, which may bedifferent for each byte. Preferably, there may be a different number ofwords in each Second logic-processor 120 transmission. Preferably, thereare only a specific number of different transmission schemes that aredefined by the Transmission Type Code, which is programmed into Receiver130 memory as a look up table.

FIG. 2-00 is a perspective view of a First logic-processor 110 accordingto a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, system100 comprises First logic-processors 110. Preferably, Firstlogic-processors 110 comprise first communicators 111, communicativelycoupled with second logic-processors 120.

Preferably, each First logic-processor 110 can be programmed to send outa transmission that includes the ID of a specific Second logic-processor120 (and/or First logic-processor 110) and each Second logic-processor120 can be programmed to respond only if their ID is contained in areceived transmission or only respond to certain preprogrammedinstructions or only to respond to certain of the instructionstransmitted to it by the First logic-processor 110. Preferably, Firstlogic-processor 110 provides a security benefit by alerting authoritiesto the presence of a certain item in a limited access location orunauthorized removal from a location or from the building, for example,removal from a hospital of life support equipment from an area in whichit is required to remain. Another example would be the operation ofequipment in an unauthorized location or location intended only forstorage of the equipment when not in use. Multiple pieces of the sameequipment in the same location may also be an undesirable situation thatcan be prevented with this system, as can equipment limited to adultuse, which should not be present in a children's ward. In addition, thisprecvention may apply to equipment that should not be used near pregnantwomen and hence should not be present in a maternity ward, or similarrequirements in quarantined areas. Another example of use is to alert ofdanger that may develop if an item is moved into an area or next toanother piece of equipment or person, such as oxygen or other flammablegas near an open flame or potential static sparks.

FIG. 2-01 shows the Second logic-processor 120 Second logic-processorcircuit schematic with the micro-controller part 001 and the transmithybrid TX5000 part 002. A polling Receiver 006 consisting of the tunedcircuit L4 and C7, rectifier D2 and load R4. Preferably, alllogic-processors 110 and 120, and Receivers 130, have the capability oftransmitting and receiving in different modulation schemes for exampleOOK (on/off keying) or ASK (amplitude sequenced keying). The mode can beselected during the assembly process, on site, for the logic-processors110 or 120, by attaching a cap 1121 or a sensor 150 that mechanicallysets the mode. However, this can also be controlled by themicroprocessor via the remote instruction method as used for setting theattenuation level. Alternatively, either system component can have twotransmitters or in the case of the Reader, two receivers, one setcontinually for OOK modulation and the other ASK, thus providingsimultaneous transmission and reception of both modes.

A resistor network 003 provides the means for onboard selection ofeither OOK or ASK modulation by inserting zero ohm resistors R6 and R9,or R7 and R8, respectively. Alternatively, all four of these resistorscan be omitted and off board modulation decision can be made withconnectors J1-9 and J1-10, shown by 004. Circuit 005 and other J2 pinsprovide the ability for on-board programming or subsequentreprogramming. A simple First logic-processor 006 consists of the tunedcircuit L4 and C7, rectifier D2 and load R4 and a polling receptionindicator 007 comprising an LED D1 that is also a means of determiningbattery condition by reading the voltage at the node between R3 and D1at the micro-controller pin 2 via R6 when the LED is turned on by thepolling reception signal. Also, an on-board temperature sensor 008consists of Q1 and R5.

Preferably, the connector J1, 009, provides the connections to the powerconnector or power ribbon cable and also provides the connections foron-board programming and testing. Connector J2, 010 provides connectionsfor Second logic-processor 120 testing, modulation selection and, wherethe application calls for it, connections to the sensor connector,sensor ribbon cable or Receiver 130 connector for coded signals.Connector 011 provides a connection for an internal flexible whipantenna that wraps around the inside of the Second logic-processor caseor, in some applications, can protrude through a water tight slit in thecase to provide improved range. The micro-controller (PIC16LF876A orequivalent) also has built-in temperature sensing and battery conditionmonitors; but when other micro-controllers are used to optimizeperformance that do not have these features, these alternate options areavailable or they can be used to provide an alternate input on theseparameters.

FIG. 2-02 shows the layout of the topside of the Second logic-processorPCB 012, the Modulation Selector/Sensor connector 013, and the PowerConnector/Reprogramming connector 014. A via, 015 (J3), is the flexiblewhip antenna connector.

FIG. 2-03 shows the layout of the bottom side of the Secondlogic-processor PCB 012 showing the on-board OOK/ASK selection network016.

FIG. 2-04 shows the transmission pulse timing when OOK modulation isused. The time slot 017 is 200 uS wide and a “0” bit 018 is 40 uS widepulse, significantly less than 50% of the time slot, while a “1” bit 019is represented by four consecutive 40 uS wide pulses (one 160 uS pulse)that is significantly more than 50% of the time slot. One example of theuse of this transmission scheme is a byte than consist of a start bit160, a couple of sets of data bits 161 and 162, a parity bit 163 and twostop bits 164, all of this making up a word. The word may be transmittedseveral consecutive times (three in the example) in cases where theReceiver 130 is required to identify a word two or three times beforeaccepting the data.

FIG. 2-05 a and FIG. 2-05 b show a diagram of the transmission encodingmethod. It shows a maximum of 80 time slots or bits, 030. Bit 1, 019, isthe start bit and always a “one” followed by a five-bit byte, 020, thatdefines the Transmission Type, how many bytes make up the transmittedword and how many bits are in each byte. This is followed by a three-bitgroup code 021. These three “bytes” always make up the first nine bitstransmitted. This is followed by the unique Second logic-processor code022 that can be a byte with as many as 16 bits and a Polling code 023with as many as 5 bits. Following this are five status or data bytes024, 025, 026, 027, 028, each of which can have as many as eight bits.Following that there is a parity or CRC byte 029 that can have as manyas 8 bits followed by two stop bits 031, both “zeros”. FIG. 2-05 a andFIG. 2-05 b show the full eighty time-slots and the black fill shows theslots where there are transmissions. The white slots show no bits beingtransmitted and in the actual implementation these slots are eliminated,as shown by 032, 033, 034, 045, 036 and 037; that is why a precedingbyte is needed to identify which bytes are included in the transmissionand how many bits each has. This word will be transmitted several timeswith an interval in between that is determined by the word length andthe specific nature of the application.

The polling 038 and data 039, 040, 041 bytes can consist of only onebit. In the polling case a “one” bit indicates that the Secondlogic-processor 120 is transmitting because of a polling instruction, a“zero” indicates that the Second logic-processor 120 transmittedaccording to its programmed periodicity (not polled). In the case ofdata bytes a single byte indicates status of a sensed input, zero or one(low or high), indicating that its monitored location is on or off, openor closed, above or below a limit, within a pair of limits or outside,or any other condition that can be represented by a single bit.

A polling byte 042 of more than one bit indicates the Secondlogic-processor 120 is transmitting because of a coded pollinginstruction and the byte represents that code. The Secondlogic-processor 120 can also be programmed without a polling bit at alland this indicates that the Second logic-processor 120 does not have apolling function. For other data bytes that have more than one bit, thebyte represents actual data such as temperature, pressure, accelerationand humidity, or characteristics of a magnetic field, radioactivity,water quality, air contaminants or life signs, and information fromthermostats, fire, smoke or security alarms. If less than five inputsare being monitored the “empty” bytes are eliminated. The TransmissionType Code includes information on the exact nature of each data byte,specifically what it represents and the bit to parameter magnituderelationship, i.e., degrees per bit, psi per bit, gauss per bit, etc.,and the range of that parameter. The byte can also be used to representa variation from a “par” value or a rate of change.

FIG. 2-06 describes a Second logic-processor 120 firmware 152 proposalfor a specific application.

FIG. 2-07 describes a set of Second logic-processor 120 TransmissionPeriodicity Decision Tables that show a Sensor Sampling Plan andTransmission Periodicity options that might apply to a Truck WheelMonitoring application.

FIG. 2-08 describes a set of Second logic-processor 120 TransmissionPeriodicity Decision Tables that show a Sensor Sampling Plan andTransmission Periodicity options that might apply to Home and Buildingapplications. Preferably, both First logic-processors 110 and Secondlogic-processors 120 have the programmed capability to establish theirown sampling rates and statistical analysis methods to determine thenormal or typical sensed conditions of the environment, preferably thesteady-state environment, in terms of absolute values, rate of change ofthese values and the relationships of the various sensed parametersbeing monitored by the First logic-processor or Second logic-processor.The result of this analysis may result in the onboard microprocessorchanging the sampling rates for one or more sensors, increasing the sizeof a sample for one or more sensors, switching to a different analysisalgorithm and determining an appropriate transmission schedule, powerlevel and even modulation scheme.

FIG. 2-09 shows a typical Second logic-processor 120 firmware 152 flowchart for a nominal application.

FIG. 2-10 a and FIG. 2-10 b illustrate the various Secondlogic-processor 120 configuration options such as frequency, modulationmode, polling and firmware 152 options.

FIG. 2-11 and FIG. 2-12 show the means by which the test, programmingand external sensor cables, and any plug in sensor or special purposeconnector, include connections that select whether the Secondlogic-processor 120 transmits an OOK modulated signal or an ASKmodulated signal, further adding to the versatility of the LITMISproduct that allows field programming and field configuration, in orderto optimize the system's performance for each application. In FIG. 2-27the transmitter hybrid TX5000 01 can be connected either to operate inan OOK modulation mode or an ASK modulation mode depending on whetherthe transmit enable connection from the micro-controller is connected tothe TX5000 pin 17 or pin 18 (the unconnected pin is grounded). Toachieve this for OOK modulation, the connection (cable or connector) tothe Second logic-processor 06 has four of its pins connected so that theSecond logic-processor connections 02 and 03 are connected (groundingTX5000 pin 17) and connections 04 and 05 are connected (connectingTX5000 pin 18 to the micro-controller Transmit enable pin). FIG. 2-28shows the ASK modulation where the connection (cable or connector) tothe Second logic-processor 06 has four of its pins connected so that theSecond logic-processor connections 02 and 04 are connected (groundingTX5000 pin 18) and connections 03 and 05 are connected (connectingTX5000 pin 17 to the micro-controller Transmit enable pin).

FIG. 2-13 shows one form of a Sensor connector where 043 is atemperature sensor, which could be a thermistor; 044 illustrates abridge form of sensor that could be a pressure or a wide variety ofbridge type sensors. The sensors are supplied by power from a voltageregulator 045 and the sensed voltages are amplified by operationalamplifiers 046 and fed to comparators 047, whose outputs are deliveredto the Second logic-processor 120 microprocessor.

FIG. 2-14 shows diagrams of possible designs for Second logic-processor120 plug-in sensors; 048 shows a moisture testing probe that can bepushed into the soil and the tip of the probe has “pores” which allow amoisture sensor inside the probe to obtain a reading of relativemoisture level. The Second logic-processor 120 with its power connectoris simply plugged into the probe connector which includes the standardOOK or ASK selection function and other standard interconnectionsbetween sensor connectors and the Second logic-processor such as powerand data lines, as well as the standard latching and sealing mechanisms.The floating pool sensor consists of a float 049 and a sensing unit 050on the end of a “snorkel”, where the sensing unit can contain a varietyof elements to monitor pH, Chorine content, hardness and sensors thatevaluate the water for possible dangerous contaminants. It is noted thatthe multi-parameter sensing unit could be built into the waterfiltration system in which case the Second logic-processor 120 wouldsimply snap on to it in a similar manner to the moisture probe. Analternative form of the floating sensor would include a motion orvibration sensor (accelerometer) inside the submerged housing 051 thatwould provide information on momentary or sustained turbulence thatmight indicate something had fallen into the pool such as a small childor an elderly person.

Item 052 is a typical security sensor that detects movement of people orobjects in its vicinity but designed as a plug-in Second logic-processor120 connector; 053 is a connector that picks up polling signals; 054monitors the status (open, open by how much or closed) or changingstatus (opening or closing) of doors, windows, containers, mail boxes,safes, vaults, etc; 055 represent safety monitors such as heat, fire,smoke, allergens and the presence of other harmful conditions designedas a plug-in Second logic-processor 120 connector; 056 a radioactivesensor, 057 a wind velocity sensor, 058 a rain gauge and 059 a bloodpressure or pulse rate monitor. This latter application can be expandedto include anything monitoring life signs of chronically ill patients,particularly ambulatory patients who may not be under the constant careof another individual.

FIG. 2-15 shows a water Quality sensor that could be used in a poolmonitoring application checking pH, chlorine concentration, hardness,etc. This Sensing Second logic-processor 120 could also include avibration sensor that could be used to monitor water turbulence.Preferably, the Second logic-processor 120 would be programmed to sampleand analyze to identify sudden changes in turbulence, typical of aperson or animal falling into the pool and struggling to get out. TheReceiver 130 would be programmed to distinguish between normal poolusage and unintended entry into the pool. Furthermore, the system isdesigned to receive information from multiple sources and analyzerelationships. Children or elderly people using a pool or likely to bein the vicinity of a pool or pond could have a wrist or ankle Secondlogic-processor 120 with a submersion sensor that would provide furtherinput, and a polling Receiver 130 that would provide location input whenpassing through a pool gate or leaving the house. Depending on how theWater Monitoring Second logic-processor 120 was situated in the pool itcould also include a physical or magnetic pool level indicator.

FIG. 2-16 and FIG. 2-17 show heart beat characteristics that would bemonitored by a Second logic-processor 120 attached to young babies, theelderly or chronically ill patients, along with other important lifesigns. Each EKG heartbeat has four positive-going voltage changes topeaks 060, 063, 069, and 068, two transition from below and cross zerovolts 063 and 069; the phase of these two different wave sections canalso be recorded. The fourth 068 is the start of a second heartbeatwaveform P. Each heartbeat has three positive amplitudes 060, 063, and069. These three analog parameters would be monitored and analyzed. Inaddition timing criteria 061, 064, 065 and the timing of the peaks 060,063, and 069 would also be monitored. Sampling would establish norms forabsolute values and the relative rate change of these characteristicswhich, when compared to absolute values, rate of change of values andcomparison between characteristics as described in FIG. 2-08, permitsanomalies requiring urgent attention to be identified.

In order to provide an effective interface between sensors of this sortand the Second logic-processor 120 microprocessor when measuring heartbeat amplitudes such as R, the times are measurable from the moment thepositive-going edge of R crosses zero (a little after Q) to the time thepositive waveform T returns to zero, and the time from the moment onepositive-going edge of R crosses zero to the same place on the “next”waveform R. This EKG Second logic-processor 120 interface connector mayalso include a clock, counter and timer, zero-crossing detectors,phase-angle detectors, comparators, amplitude measurements, memory andanalog to digital coding. Further since “spike” R has the highest(steepest) phase angle and amplitude of the three positive wave sectionsin a heartbeat, this zero-crossing arid steep phase-angle (representingpart of a “high” frequency waveform vs. the “low” frequency of the P andT waves) combination can be used as a start time. The negative-goingwave sections from this time can be monitored and counted (Q to S,continuing through T). From start time to when the second wave section Treturns to zero is the second parameter. The amplitude of all positivewaveforms can be sampled, stored and counted; if the second positivewaveform also has the highest phase-angle and amplitude this is R andcan be can be coded.

FIG. 2-18 shows such an interface with an oscillator, timing, A/Dconverters, voltage reference, comparators, logic, and some memory thatcan also provide voltage or current to sensors. Each such interface canhandle or control either one analog input/detector at a time; or withmultiplexing up to six such sensors.

FIG. 2-19 shows a means for detecting the removal of a wrist or ankleSecond logic-processor 120 used in instances described above. The Secondlogic-processor 120 Connector 070 is connected to the Power Connector071 by a conductor 072 which passes through a clasp 073 returns to andpasses under 070 around the other side of the wrist or ankle 074, to andpasses under 071 back to other section of the clasp and then returns tothe Power connector 071. This design makes it impossible to remove theSecond logic-processor 120 from the wrist without interrupting the powersupply, either by unlatching the clasp or by cutting the conductive band074. The Second logic-processor 120 has a power storage capacitoradequate to send a final transmission when power is disconnected. Afinal transmission of this nature has an added bit indicating theremoval of power. This data bit will remain attached to transmissionsuntil reset, to identify removal and perhaps reconnection to anotherperson, or simply tossed aside to sabotage tracking and monitoringfunctions. The key to the continuity concept is demonstrated in theClasp Detail 075. A 4-pin plug connects to a matching 4-pin socketenabling the power wiring to cross from one to the other and return, aprocess that occurs both for the connection between 070 and 073, as wellbetween 071 and 073.

FIG. 2-20 shows a system installed in a home, monitoring it for a broadrange of characteristics. A single Receiver 076 placed in a centrallocation and can receive and decode transmissions from any Secondlogic-processor 120 attached to any combination of sensors located onthe property inside or outside the home. A fireplace 077 in the livingroom is monitored by Second logic-processor 078, which has temperatureand smoke sensors. This may also monitor the concentration of combustionproducts and toxicity vapors. Similar Second logic-processor 079 and 081are shown placed by fireplaces 080 and 082. In the event thesefireplaces are gas operated, the Second logic-processor would alsomonitor for natural gas or propane leaks. The master bedroom Secondlogic-processor 120 083 would monitor in a similar manner, but in thiscase perhaps sensing for smoldering caused by an improperly discardedcigarette or a poorly placed candle. There could be a Secondlogic-processor attached to a set of life signs sensors on an elderly orchronically ill patient. Second logic-processor 084 would similarlymonitor bathroom conditions but could also monitor for bath or toiletoverflows or electrical problems such as shorts or ground fault overloads. Second logic-processor 085 is located in the dining room and mayhave an added sensor to monitor a food warmer or might monitor anormally locked china or silver cabinet for security purposes. Thekitchen Second logic-processor 086 would likely have a variety ofsensors with a separate Second logic-processor 120 by each appliance.With a gas range it would include a sensor for gas leaks while anelectrical range would have an overload detector. Other bedroom Secondlogic-processor 087, 088, and 089 would be customized for the occupant,perhaps detecting for allergens, molds, bacteria or other airbornethreats. Second logic-processor 090 is located outside the house perhapsby a barbeque sensing for propane leaks in addition to the temperatureand other sensors. Second logic-processor 091 in the garage would sensefor the same parameters as other sensors, but might also include agasoline sensor, workbench electrical shorts and ground fault overloads.A vehicle-mounted Second logic-processor could monitor tire pressuresand battery condition, alerting the owner ahead of time to a potentialflat tire or dead battery in the morning. Other Second logic-processorscan be monitoring movement in each room, opening and closing doors andwindows, be connected to thermostats and conventional security andsafety devices like fire and smoke alarms, even monitoring such obscurecriteria like termite or carpenter ant infestations. Other Secondlogic-processors may be employed with sensors that can monitor, pool andgarden gates, pools and ponds, mailboxes, even the moisture level in thesoil for irrigation optimization. Solar heating systems, wind force, andearth tremors can be similarly monitored. City water can be monitoredfor purity and freedom from biological contaminants and for suddensurges that might indicate a leak or burst pipe when compared withmotion sensors that show no one is in the house. Similarly, surges inelectricity or gas usage could detect shorts or gas leaks; aand there isagain the benefit of comparison with temperature rise, detection ofcombustion products or the detection of a high natural gas or propaneconcentration in the air.

FIG. 2-21 shows a high Yagi Antenna specification for achieving adesired read range.

FIG. 2-22 shows a building application with a centrally located Receiver092 that locates Second logic-processors 093 and 094 that move, or maymove, around the building, by locating fixed, coded, location Firstlogic-processor 110 by each doorway 096, periodically along corridors097 and at stairwells. As the moving Second logic-processor passeswithin the very limited range of this directional First logic-processor,it receives and decodes the polling signal, adding that code to its own.The same Receiver 130 can receive signals from other Secondlogic-processors monitoring various building conditions such as doorsopen or closed, lights on and off or the status of other items 095.

FIG. 2-23 shows a building outfitted with First logic-processor 102 thatcan be used to locate people, Laptop computers and other tagged assetsas the move, are relocated or removed from rooms or the building, oreven from one floor of the building to another. Pollable Secondlogic-processor 101 will pickup, extract the First logic-processor'slocation identification code and add it to its own identification codewhich it then transmits to the Receiver 103. The First logic-processormight also include an additional bit to notify the control center of thetransmission, status of each door (open or closed) or even whether thelight is on in the room. The key here is the very short range anddirectionality of the First logic-processor, that are simply anotherversion of a Second logic-processor, with a lower power transmitter anda directional antenna where required. The Second logic-processors havebeen designed to be able to switch frequencies by simply a change ofTransmitter hybrid component or by replacing it by a frequencyprogrammable transmitter.

FIG. 2-24 shows a similar application to FIG. 2-23 except in this casethe doorway connectors are sensing Second logic-processors, identifyingopen and closed doors, lights on or off, and other conditions, andtransmitting the data to the Receiver 105 periodically or immediatelywhen a change in status occurs. Preferably, the Second logic-processors,which can also be read by the Receiver, would likely be a used just foridentification purposes and perhaps to provide its own sensorinformation. It should be noted throughout these applications that theread range of the Receiver can be programmed to limit the field beingmonitored. There is 16-bit remotely programmable attenuator in theReceiver before the radio frequency Receiver circuit that is used todefine the read range.

FIG. 2-25 shows a Responder version of the Second logic-processor. Inthis application the components are only included in circuit 098 if theFirst logic-processor is intended to operate only when it recognizesthat a Second logic-processor with a short pulse beacon is within range,it which case it will transmit its information, and where applicable itsinstructions, before shutting down. For First logic-processor withoutthis circuit populated, they are programmed to transmit intermittently.As a First logic-processor 110 the temperature monitoring circuit 099 isnormally not populated but in some applications temperature, ortemperature history, may be part of the information to be relayed by theSecond logic-processor back to the Receiver, since the Responder hasonly a very short range, or may be operating on a different frequencythat the Receiver. An example of this application might be a Responderthat is monitoring an environment but there is no requirement to sendthis information directly to the Receiver, or it's not practical to doso, or the information is only important when a short pulse beaconSecond logic-processor is in the vicinity. The Responder transmitterhybrid 1100 can in some circumstances have the same frequency as theSecond logic-processor, but in the majority of applications it wouldoperate at a different frequency (list in FIG. 2-10) or it maypreferably operate at about 13.56 MHz, or a lower frequency.

FIG. 2-26 shows an example of a control center display such as might beused in the application show in FIG. 2-24. In this case, each sensingSecond logic-processor is designed to sense five conditions (this is anexample of a one bit sensor response). A total of twenty Secondlogic-processors are each monitoring five conditions such as doors,drawers, switches and other conditions open or closed, off or on, etc.The display identifies the Group Code, as there may be more than onecompany using the building in which case the display might be passwordprotected to show only a particular Group Code. The next columnidentifies the unique Second logic-processor code, followed by thestatus of each of the five conditions being monitored. A red entryindicates a change from the previous reported status and a bold lineindicates that the Second logic-processor 120 is not reporting and showsthe last received status. The display also provides other pertinentinformation. Instead of this template, a building plan could be usedsimilar to FIG. 2-24 and the door, drawer, lights, etc., could be shownactually open or closed, on or off, and a change highlighted in red andan un-read situation in another color. This could also be used whereother Second logic-processors are being monitored (such as locationtags), in which case the monitoring could include location and movementaround the building. Other conditions, such as temperature, natural gasconcentrations and the like, can also be monitored if the appropriateSecond logic-processor 120 is installed.

FIG. 2-27 shows a system block diagram of a pollable Secondlogic-processor 1107, a Receiver 1108 and the polling Firstlogic-processor 1110. The First logic-processor can either instruct theSecond logic-processor to send its data immediately or provide otherinstructions. As in other system configurations, the Receiver 1102decodes and further analyzes the data before periodically sending theinformation on to a control center 1103 PC or PDA. If an anomaly isconfirmed, it will send data immediately to whichever prescribed phonenumber or LAN address is indicated for that particular event.

FIG. 2-28 shows a system block diagram of a Second logic-processor 1101and Receiver 1102 with two-way communication. In this case the Receivercan provide the Second logic-processor with polling or otherinstructions instead of a separate polling transmitter. The benefit ofthis type of system is that it provides the Receiver with the ability tointerrogate the Second logic-processor when it detects a problem butneeds to modify the collection of further data. It also leads to theability of introducing sensor connectors 1106 that also provide controlfunctions when called for. As in other system configurations, theReceiver 1102 decodes and further analyzes the data before periodicallysending the information on to a control center 1103 PC or PDA. If ananomaly is confirmed, it will send data immediately to whicheverprescribed phone number or LAN address is indicated for that particularevent. The transceiver feature also provides the ability for the controlcenter, that always has two-way communication with the Receiver, to sendinstructions to the Second logic-processor via the Receiver 130 thatthen serves as a two-way relay or repeater between the person receivingthe data and the monitoring (and control) Second logic-processor. TheSecond logic-processor's radio frequency section in this case has thenormal radio frequency hybrid transmitter replaced by a Transceiverhybrid 1105 and similarly for the Receiver 130's radio frequencyreceiver section 1104.

FIG. 2-29 is a view of a sensing Second logic-processor. In thisapplication, the power connector 1105 and sensor connector 1106 eachplug directly into the Second logic-processor 1107. The attachmentcleats 1108 can still be used for connection to the host.

FIG. 2-30 is an exploded view of the flat sensing Second logic-processoragain showing power connector housing 1109, power connector batteryinsert 1110, housing for the Second logic-processor 1111, Secondlogic-processor electronics 1112, sensor electronics 1113 and the sensorconnector housing 1114. Other features shown are the sensor connectormulti-pin plug 1115, matching Second logic-processor multi-pin socket1116 and socket 1117 (for power connector attachment) and powerconnector plug 1118.

FIG. 2-31 is view of the basic Second logic-processor consisting of thepower connector 1119 plugged into Second logic-processor 1120. In thiscase, a snap cap 1121 is used to seal the unused sensor connectorsocket. There are several versions of this cap: one being a snap-on capused only for sealing purposes, and the others are used for settingcertain Second logic-processor operating conditions. For example, theSecond logic-processor's hybrid transmitter can be operated in either anOOK modulation mode or ASK modulation mode. The appropriate cap isattached to achieve the selected modulation mode. It can be removed andreplaced with the alternate cap version if the modulation method needsto be changed. All of the sensor connectors and other special customattachments have the same modulation setting option.

FIG. 2-32 is another exploded view of the basic Second logic-processoragain showing power connector housing 1122, power connector batteryinsert 1123, housing for the Second logic-processor 1124, Secondlogic-processor electronics 1125 and the selected end cap 1126. Otherfeatures shown are the end cap multi-pin plug 1127, matching Secondlogic-processor multi-pin socket 1128 and socket 1129 (for powerconnector attachment) and power connector plug 1130.

FIG. 2-33 shows the use of a Transceiver Hybrid Circuit in place of theSecond logic-processor transmitter and Receiver. FIG. 2-33 shows how the16-bit programmable attenuator 200 can be inserted between the antennaand the Saw Filter (and before the inductors RFIO and ESD choke) toprovide a field limiting function that prevents a Second logic-processorout of the desired range from being received and shows how the 16-bitSignal Strength Comparator circuit 201 can be used by tapping off thesignal prior to the Peak Detector circuit.

FIG. 2-34 is an exploded view of power source 1160. Preferably, powersource 1160 comprises housing 1135, attachment cleats 1136, and batteryinsert 1137 and plug 1138, and, preferably, a sealing bullhead 1139 thatis present on all connector inserts.

FIG. 2-35 shows a close up view of the Second logic-processor 1140containing the micro-controller, radio frequency transmitter, pollingcircuit, temperature sensor, battery condition monitor, transmit inhibitswitch and poll response LED. It shows the sensor interface sockets 1141and 1142, cleats 1143, and the sealing tongue 1144.

FIG. 2-36 is an exploded close up view of the Second logic-processorshowing its case 1145, attachment cleats 1146, electronics PCB 1147,socket 1148 and 1149, and the sealing bulkheads 1150.

FIG. 2-37 shows a close up view of the sensor connector 1151 showing theplug 152 that interfaces with the Second logic-processor, cleats 1153,and the sealing tongue 1154.

FIG. 2-38 shows an exploded close up view of the sensor connectorshowing the case 1155, electronics PCB 1156, plug 1157 (that interfaceswith the Second logic-processor and the sealing bulkhead 1158), cleats1159, and the sealing tongue 1165.

FIG. 2-39 shows the basic Second logic-processor (power connector andSecond logic-processor) and a ribbon cable 1166 plugged into the sensorinterface socket 1167. This cable serves a variety of purposes thatinclude programming the micro-controller, testing the Secondlogic-processor functionality (including setting the modulation methodto either OOK or ASK), or to interface sensors. In an actualinstallation where the Second logic-processor is connected to externalsensors, the plug would be built into an end cap to provide a sealedassembly.

FIG. 2-40 shows the power connector 1168 connected to the Secondlogic-processor 1169, showing the cable and plug assembly 1170 beforeinsertion into the sensor connection socket 1171.

FIG. 2-41 shows the Second logic-processor 1172 in a further testconfiguration where the power is also supplied through a plug in cable1173 allowing a complete in-process test of the main at various voltagelevels and to measure current drain in various modes and conditions ofoperation and with various sensor loads. The Second logic-processoralone, or with any form of sensor connection, can also be powered froman external source using this power cable connector, but the plug wouldthen be built into an end cap to provide a sealed assembly.

FIG. 2-42 shows the Second logic-processor 120 with the two unpluggedcable connectors 1174 and 1175.

FIG. 2-43 is an exploded view of a sensing Second logic-processor 1120.

FIG. 2-44 is a block diagram of the basic LITMIS Receiver 130. The radiofrequency Section consists of a radio frequency Receiver 1177 withconnectors for one or two (for diversity) antennae 1176, anantenna-Receiver impedance matching circuit and an OOK/ASK Receiver(within 1177). There are two identical radio frequency sections percircuit as shown in this drawing. At least one optional 16-bitprogrammable attenuator stage(s) 1181 may be included between theantenna(s) and the Receiver. The attenuator stage is controlled by theMicroprocessor 1186 directly or on instructions to the Receiver from thecontrol center. This provides the ability to limit the receiving rangeof the Receiver to the area of interest and reduce noise or collisionsfrom other Second logic-processor or Tags that are outside the area ofinterest.

The Analog Section has a gain circuit 1178 that consists of adifferential amplifier and a summing amplifier. The differentialamplifier provides gain and offset adjustment while the summingamplifier adds the two (I per Receiver) signals together. The AnalogSection also has a filter circuit 1179 consisting of an active filterreduce signal noise. The Digital Section has a level detector 1180consisting of a 16-level voltage divider, 16 comparators and an upperand lower level voltage adjustment. The voltage divider provides 16equally spaced voltage reference levels for the 16 comparators. Eachcomparator detects if the received signal is higher or lower than itsvoltage reference. The upper and lower voltage references are adjustedusing a potentiometer. This Level Detector serves to provide acalibrated 16 bit Signal Strength functions with the range sensitivitybeing controlled by the 32-bit processor 1186. Where a 16-bit AttenuatorRead-range adjustment feature is used, the output of the 16-bit SignalStrength function must be linked to the attenuator setting. This couldbe used to provide a 256-bit Signal Strength function although thisprecision would rarely be used because of the many potential attenuatingfactors associated with radio signals. One application it can be usedfor, where the attenuating factors are specific to the nature of theenvironment and location, is to provide a very accurate analysis ofthese attenuating factors, which could be determined prior to aninstallation and then programmed into the Receiver or the centralcontrol computer and used to refine the Signal Strength readings whenusing the system for locating purposes.

The CPLD functions consist of a 16-level to 4-bit converter 1182 thatde-bounces the incoming bits and converts the data to a 4-bit binarycode. A Digital Squelch function 1182 is used to set a minimum signalvalue. Any signals below the digital squelch level are ignored. TheDigital Filter 1184 performs a weighted average on the signal. Eachsample is weighted based on the age of the sample; and the older thesample, the less weight a sample has in the average. This provides asmoother signal and reduces noise. A Slope Detector 1185 looks for slopechanges in the signal. There are currently 3 types of slopes detected(up, down & level). Any change in slope type is detected in the EventRate Detector 1187 and a pulse is generated. An 18-bit counter is usedto keep a rolling count of the 4 MHz clock 1188 in a binary format. ATime Stamp Latch 1190 latches whenever a pulse is latched from the18-bit counter 1189 whenever a pulse is received from the slopedetector. All rollover events are also latched to aid in tracking eventtiming. All data captured in the time stamp latch 1190 is also loadedinto a 4K×18 bit FIFO (First In First Out) 1191 Memory device. The FIFOis used to store time stamps until the microprocessor is ready to readthem. Event Rate Detector is used when time stamps occur at a rate thatis faster than the known signal rate; it makes an automatic adjustmentto the digital squelch circuit, which effectively eliminates fast noisesignals. The microprocessor reads data from the FIFO and analyzes thetime stamps to decode data from the transmitter. The microprocessor alsocontrols the potentiometers that adjust the upper and lower thresholdlevels. The microprocessor also sets the level in the digital squelchcircuit, and acts as the interface to the system computer.

FIG. 2-45 to FIG. 2-54 show the PC-104 LITMIS Receiver Board detailedcircuit schematic and FIG. 2-55 to FIG. 2-62 show the detailed LITMISPCMCIA Receiver circuit schematic for the external antenna card with therange selection circuitry (FIG. 2-56). FIG. 2-63 to FIG. 2-72 show thePCMCIA Receiver board layout for the external antenna card, and FIG.2-73 the layout with the internal Splatch component antenna. FIG. 2-74shows the nature of the Splatch Planar Antenna this is used in theLITMIS PCMCIA Receiver. Another advantage of using a PCMCIA Receiver 130is that, when used with a dual slot PCMCIA expansion Pak (such asiPAQ's), the second slot can be used with an 802.11 Modem forcommunication with the control center.

FIG. 2-75 shows a view of the assembled, fixed LITMIS PC-104 Receiver 50with mounting flange 51. Also shown is the dual PCMCIA slot 52, serialconnector 53, power connector 54 and LAN connector 55. Also shown areten coaxial connectors, one for a WLAN antenna 56, one for a GPS antenna57, and eight connectors 58 providing coax cable connections to themaximum number of four, dual (orthogonal) antennae.

FIG. 2-76 shows an exploded view of the fixed LITMIS PC-104 Receivershowing the case 60, the cover 59 and mounting flanges 51, the dualPCMCIA slot 52, serial connector 53, power connector 54 and LANconnector 55 (also coax sockets 56, 57, and 58). The four PC-104 boardsshown are PCMCIA two-slot Connectors 61 that can be used for GPS or802.11 cards or even one of two LITMIS PCMCIA Receivers 130 (such asAaeon PCM-3115B), CPU Connector 62 (such as Aaeon PCM-4335 or 3336),Ethernet Connector 63 (such as Aaeon PCM-3660) and the LITMIS Receiver64. Other PC-104 options include a Vehicle Power Supply Connector forWheel and Axle Monitoring Systems, fork lift, golf cart or similarapplications, 48-channel DIO Connector such as Aaeon PCM-33724),Isolated RS232/422/485 Connector (such as Aaeon PCM-3610), or a CellPhone/Internet Communications Board (including boards such as Ubicom'sPhantomServer). Preferably, the stack can be expanded to includecombinations of the above options.

FIG. 2-77 shows a use of a pollable Second logic-processor (that doesn'ttransmit unless polled) and a repetitively transmitting Firstlogic-processor, as a scoring method in a wide range of sporting events.A short-range First logic-processor with a directional antenna islocated on either end of the scoring line with the transmissionsdirected across the track so as to cover the full width of the scoringline and assure that a Second logic-processor crossing the line willreceive the polling signal. The instant the Second logic-processorreceives the polling signal it transmits its code to the Receiverlocated nearby, thereby notifying the Receiver that the Secondlogic-processor has just crossed the scoring line and time stamping thatreception.

FIGS. 2-78 shows a use of a pollable Second logic-processor (thatdoesn't transmit unless polled) and a repetitively transmitting codedFirst logic-processor as a scoring device in sporting events where thereare a number of scoring lines periodically spaced over a wide area. Ashort-range coded First logic-processor with a directional antenna islocated on either end of the scoring line with the transmissionsdirected across the track so as to cover the full width of the scoringline and assure that a Second logic-processor 120 crossing the line willreceive the polling signal. The instant the Second logic-processorreceives the coded polling signal it transmits its code along with theFirst logic-processor's code to the Receiver located anywhere within a1500 foot radius, thereby notifying the Receiver that the Secondlogic-processor has just crossed a specific scoring line, and timestamping that reception.

A further version of this scoring method involves replacing the codedFirst logic-processor with a coded Responder, a polling device that onlytransmits its code when it receives a prompt from a Secondlogic-processor in range. In this method the Second logic-processor, inaddition to the functions described previously, also sends out a verynarrow low power beacon pulse every tenth of a second to every second,depending on race speeds (walkers, runners, skiers, sleds, horses,vehicles), except when it is sending its polled data to the Receiver.The Responder acts as a pollable First logic-processor, in other words,a First logic-processor that only transmits a polling signal when itreceives a beacon prompt.

FIG. 2-79 shows a sensor application that provides the ability toprovide remote surveillance of stored radioactive items and to detectradiation in monitored environments. The application has the ability tohandle nonproliferation monitoring, spent fuel safeguards, and long termmonitoring of stored radioactive wastes by using the features of LITMISthat sample, average, establish parameter normals, and then continuouslycompare readings every few seconds against absolute and rate of changelimits. Data transmissions to the Receiver can be hourly or daily exceptwhen anomalies are detected, in which case transmissions can berepetitive or continuous depending on the seriousness of the condition.

FIG. 2-80 shows a LITMIS PCMCIA Receiver card 202 plugged into an iPAQPDA Expansion Pak. In this case the PCMCIA Receiver has an internal stubor Splatch antenna. Where a dual PCMCIA slot expansion Pak is used, an802.11 modem card can also be inserted to provide radio communication tothe central monitoring computer. In this configuration the LITMIS PCMCIAReceiver must be the Splatch version and the card must have a reverseconnection into the slot compared to the 802.11 Modem. All Splatchversions of the PCMCIA Receiver are configured that way, thus avoidingcommunication problems because of the close proximity of the two PCMCIAcards. This orientation problem does not occur when PCMCIA Receivershave an external antenna. Another configuration option is to use bothslots for LITMIS Receiver cards with external antennae that are designedto be extended into two perpendicular directions to provide a diversityfeature if the application calls for it.

FIG. 2-81 shows the LITMIS system components concepts described in thisdocument.

Under appropriate circumstances, an alternative encoding method can alsobe used with the LITMIS hardware where its use is intended for muchlarger numbers of Second logic-processor for a large number of potentialcustomers.

The breadth of systems applications that can be covered by the modular,re-programmable, multi-sensor options of the Second logic-processor 120and the ability to deliver the received information to remote locations,particularly involving cell phone and Internet connection is aninnovative aspect of the invention. In many cases the Secondlogic-processor 120 itself, or the Receiver 130 or central computer,could allow monitoring of selected sensed parameter(s) for a period oftime while it “learns” what the typical variation of that parameter isand establishes normal maximum and minimum values for it. After thatperiod of time, the system would only notify the owner (or designatedoverseer) when a value goes outside that acceptable range.

As examples of security related applications beyond transport vehicles:

-   -   1. A multi-application installation is remote security and        safety monitoring of containers, storage areas, warehouses,        water supplies, utility plants, industrial and commercial        facilities, and transportation centers.    -   2. Adaptable to any combination of sensors, transducers or        detectors with analog or digital outputs.    -   3. Small, multi-application, field re-programmable wireless data        monitoring of people and environments.    -   4. Continuous sampling to identify anomalous absolute and rate        of change conditions.    -   5. Ability to notify programmed locations of emergencies and        provide real-time data.    -   6. Provision for adding multiple sensors or sites for expanded        monitoring or enhanced situation analysis.    -   7. Provides multiple level decisions from the Second        logic-processor to the Control Center personnel.    -   8. Anomalous parametric data can be selectively presented as        warnings, alerts or alarms.    -   9. All Internationally approved wireless bands, very low power,        narrow pulse, periodic transmission.

As examples of monitored parameters:

-   -   1. Anomalous Radiation (indicating the presence of Radioactive        Materials.    -   2. Explosives Emissions or detection of selected Chemical or        Biological Agents.    -   3. Electricity Usage (abnormality indicating lost of power, a        short or unusual usage).    -   4. Water Quality (identifying the presence of poisons or        contaminants).    -   5. Natural Gas Usage (abnormality indicating a lost of service        or a leak).    -   6. Fluid Level in Fuel Oil or Gas storage tanks (indicates a        leak or refueling need).    -   7. Temperature (abnormality indicating a lost of heat or air        conditioning, or a fire.    -   8. Humidity (abnormality indicating a medically required        humidification system malfunction).    -   9. Allergens (medical risk from bacteria or other air born        particulates or contaminants).    -   10. Light Level (abnormality indicating lights left on or a        possible intrusion).    -   11. Noise Level (abnormality indicating dog barking, something        breaking or phone ringing).    -   12. Circuit Breakers (indicating tripped breaker, perhaps an        alarm failure).    -   13. Weight or Load (abnormality indicating overload or over        stressed condition).    -   14. Identifying Movement (sensing of invaded premises or        unauthorized presence).    -   15. Identifying Open Doors or Windows or other Security Breeches        (monitoring locks/switches).    -   16. Locating or tracking Items, People, Vehicles and Objects.

The system has the ability to analyze simultaneous input from multiplesensors thus providing the means, as programmed by the user, to betterunderstand the nature of anomalous data and the rate at which it ischanging in real time and to be able to do this at a remote location.Similar sets of applications achievable with a single installationinclude commercial offices and workplaces, warehouses and factories,manufacturing plants and power stations, maintenance depots, themeparks, underground mines, military deployments, marshalling yards,airports, docks, shipping containers, vehicles, planes, ships and, infact, in any situation, for example, where a combination of Location,Identification, Tracking, Monitoring, Interrogation and/or Sensingfunctions are required and particularly where real time notification ofpersons remote from the site is necessary.

A major feature of this innovation is the ability to accomplish all ofthe above functions with a single modularized, post-programmable designthat can deliver the sensed or interrogated information from anywhere toanywhere instantly. The firmware 152 in Second logic-processor 120 canbe re-programmed in the field and Receiver 130 software can bere-programmed through a wide choice of wired or wireless options. If itcan be sensed, it can be remotely monitored without wired connections.

As examples of sensor applications in Residential Monitoring:

-   -   1. Monitoring Electricity Usage (abnormality indicating lost of        power or a short)    -   2. Monitoring Natural Gas Usage (abnormality indicating a lost        of service or a leak)    -   3. Monitoring Water Usage (abnormality indicating a lost of        supply or a leak)    -   4. Monitoring Fluid Level in Fuel Oil or Gas storage tanks        (indicates order needed)    -   5. Monitoring Temperature (abnormality indicating a lost of heat        or air conditioning, or a fire or appliance/oven/hot plate left        on)    -   6. Monitoring Humidity (abnormality indicating a medically        required humidification system malfunction)    -   7. Monitoring Allergens (abnormality indicating a potential        medical risk from excess pollen, dust, bacteria or other air        born particulates or contaminants)    -   8. Monitoring Light Level (abnormality indicating lights left on        or the sun is up)    -   9. Monitoring Noise Level (abnormality indicating dog barking,        something breaking or phone ringing)    -   10. Monitoring Pool or Pond Water Level (abnormality indicating        overflow or water needed)    -   11. Monitoring Pool Water Condition (abnormality indicating pH,        Chlorine, hardness and contaminant problem)    -   12. Monitoring Pool or Pond Water Agitation (abnormality        indicating something or someone fell or jumped into the pool, or        there is a strong wind or an earthquake)    -   13. Monitoring Fish Pond Water Quality (abnormality indicating        lack of Oxygen, presence of poisons or other contaminants)    -   14. Monitoring Soil Moisture Level (abnormality indicating        failure of irrigation to expensive newly planted trees or broken        line causing flooding)    -   15. Monitoring Lawn Moisture Level (abnormality indicating        failure of irrigation or jammed sprinkler head)    -   16. Monitoring Rainfall/Snowfall and rate of precipitation        (abnormality indicating a need for taking some action—perhaps        turning off the sprinkler)    -   17. Monitoring Wind Speed/Gusts (abnormality indicating a need        for taking some action—take down awnings and implement damage        control)    -   18. Monitoring Density of Wooden Rafters and Studs (abnormality        indicating possible infestation of Termites or Wood eating        beetles)    -   19. Monitoring Freezer/Refrigerator Temperature (abnormality        indicating failure and risk to food and perishables)    -   20. Monitoring Vehicle Tire Pressure from inside the house        (abnormality indicating overnight air leak)    -   21. Monitoring Vehicle Fluid Levels from inside the house        (abnormality indicating a need for coolant, fuel, oil or brake        fluid before driving off)    -   22. Monitoring Solar Heating/Power Generation (abnormality        indicating a system failure requiring attention)    -   23. Monitoring Elderly or Chronically III Patients (lack of        movement or a fall indicating a need for checking on them, even        monitoring blood sugar, pulse, etc.)    -   24. Monitoring Mail Box Opening (indicating delivery of mail,        illegal removal of mail and mail box destruction)    -   25. Monitoring Circuit Breakers (indicating tripped breaker,        perhaps an alarm failure)    -   26. Monitoring Weight or Load (abnormality indicating overload        or over stressed condition)    -   27. Identifying Movement (sensing of invaded premises or        unauthorized presence)    -   28. Identifying Open Doors or Windows (sensing a young child        getting out, teens arriving home at night, a door or window left        (or blown) open, garage door open)    -   29. Identifying Security Breeches (sensing a safe or security        vault being opened, or a secure area being entered, or an        valuable item being removed)    -   30. Locating Items, People or Pets (integrated into a single        monitoring system)

Similar sets of applications achievable with a single installationinclude commercial offices and workplaces, warehouses and factories,manufacturing plants and power stations, maintenance depots, themeparks, underground mines, military deployments, marshalling yards,airports, docks, vehicles, planes, ships and, in fact, in any situation,for example, where a combination of Location, Identification, Tracking,Monitoring, Interrogation and Sensing functions are required andparticularly where real time notification of persons remote from thesite is required.

A major feature of this innovation is the ability to accomplish all ofthe above functions with a single modularized, post-programmable designthat can deliver that information from anywhere to anywhere instantly.The firmware 152 in Second logic-processor 120 can be re-programmed inthe field and software in the Receiver 130 can be re-programmed througha wide choice of wired or wireless options.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a Second logic-processor 120 accordingto a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, system100 comprises Second logic-processors 120. Preferably, Secondlogic-processors 120 comprise second communicators 121, communicativelycoupled with First logic-processors 110. Preferably, Secondlogic-processor 120 is capable of both stationary and in-motionoperation. Preferably, a snap cap 1121 is used to seal the unused firstconnector 131.

In Stationary Operation, preferably, Second logic-processor 120 wakes upevery five seconds (or as otherwise programmed or instructed by a Firstlogic-processor 110) and checks for motion, polling reception andbattery voltage change. If it has nothing significant to report, itreturns to the sleep mode. Once an hour (or as otherwise programmed orinstructed by a First logic-processor 110), the Second logic-processor120 will re-transmit the last message sent (with a No-Change Bitindicating it as timed transmission not an event triggeredtransmission).

When a Second logic-processor 120 wakes up and it detects a rate ofchange of battery voltage or a limit failure (as defined by itsprogrammed look-up table) not previously reported, it transmits the lastmessage sent but with the new data (and with a Data Change Bitindicating an event triggered transmission).

If a Second logic-processor 120 detects a PDA polling message whilestationary, it transmits its identity (TI) three times and returns toits sleep mode. The polling signal from a PDA has an identity codecommon to PDA's to distinguish it from location-polling Firstlogic-processor 110. If a Second logic-processor 120 detects alocation-polling message while stationary, it may be programmed toignore it.

It should be noted that the person handling the PDA controls the pollingmessage and the transmission is maintained long enough for the Secondlogic-processor 120 to wake up and receive it (over 5 seconds in thisexample). A location-polling First logic-processor 110 transmits a veryshort message every few seconds which is directed at moving Secondlogic-processor 120 that stay awake as long as it continue to move.

If a Second logic-processor 120, upon waking up, detects motion for thefirst time, it transmits its identity (TI) and other programmedinformation (and/or First logic-processor 110 instructed information),including a Start Motion Bit (SMB), and remains awake as long as themotion continues in order to be aware of a stopping of motion, unlessthe motion sensor/microprocessor interface enables a sleeping processorto be awakened by a the stopping of motion.

In In-Motion Operation, preferably, if a Second logic-processor 120,while in motion, detects a polling transmission, it checks the Firstlogic-processor 110 Identity (PI) for authenticity and then checksagainst a Current Polling List to see if it is the first time it hasreceived this poll since it started moving. If the PI is authenticatedbut it is not on the current Polling list, the Second logic-processor120 appends First logic-processor 110 name to its data stream andtransmits this information according to its programmed instructions oras modified by the First logic-processor 110 transmitted instructionswith a First Time Polled (FTP) bit for that First logic-processor 110,and enters the First logic-processor 110 ID into the list of currentFirst logic-processor 110.

As long as the Second logic-processor 120 continues to receive aspecific First logic-processor 110 signal (in other words it is found onthe Current Polling List), the Second logic-processor 120 will typicallynot repeat its previous transmission.

The Second logic-processor 120 will check every two seconds (or asotherwise programmed or instructed) to ascertain if a Current PollingList First logic-processor 110 transmission is still being received.When it first detects, for three consecutive sequences (or as otherwiseprogrammed or instructed), that it has not received that Firstlogic-processor 110 signal, it re-transmits the last message with a LastTime Polled (LTP1) bit for that First logic-processor 110, and removesthat First logic-processor 110 ID from the current polling list.

If a second First logic-processor 110 transmission is received andauthenticated while there is already another (active) Firstlogic-processor 110 name on the Current Polling List, this name is alsoappended to the Second logic-processor 120 data stream and it transmitsthis information according to its programmed instructions or as modifiedby an earlier (still current) First logic-processor 110 transmittedinstructions, or as superceded by the latest First logic-processor 110instructions, with a First Time Polled bit for that Firstlogic-processor 110 (FTP2), and enters the First logic-processor 110 IDinto the list of Current First logic-processor 110.

If a third First logic-processor 110 authenticated transmission isreceived, then the Second logic-processor 120 will drop the first activeFirst logic-processor 110 from the Current Polling List, replace it withthe current second First logic-processor 110 ID and add the third Firstlogic-processor 110 as though it was a second First logic-processor 110(as indicated in the previous paragraph), except in product specificallydesigned to have a Current Polling List of more than two Firstlogic-processor 110 ID's. If the Second logic-processor 120 continues tobe in motion without any ID on the Current First logic-processor 110list, its status returns to that described in the first paragraph ofthis In-Motion Operation section. If at any time during which Firstlogic-processor 110 signals are being received, the Secondlogic-processor 120 motion stops, the last signal transmitted by theSecond logic-processor 120 is repeated except with a Stopped Motion Bitand the Second logic-processor 120 status returns to that described inthe first paragraph of this Stationary Operation section.

In other functions, Second logic-processor 120 has the ability toreceive and analyze sensed information both digital and analog. In itssimplest form it can receive a one bit state indicator such as off-on,open-closed, up-down, etc. In this application the Secondlogic-processor 120 can be used to monitor if the item to which theSecond logic-processor 120 is attached is in use or not, either bysensing a power-on condition, using a thermal or mechanical sensor or bymanual instruction, or a combination of these. This is indicated by anEquipment Status Bit (ESB) “0” for in use, “1” for available. Furtherstatus bits can be used to indicate a just completed calibration or anout-of-service condition. Other information can be provided to theSecond logic-processor 120 to be relayed to the Receiver 130 either inthe form of a state indication or as analog data. Examples of this arethe amount of oxygen or other fluid remaining in a cylinder attached toa wheel chair or item of equipment, that the process of sterilizationhas been implemented between its being used for different patients, thattubes or needles have been replaced between being used for differentpatients or other consumable items have been replenished. The system canalso be used to match equipment with a patient by having patient Firstlogic-processor 110 (or Second logic-processor 120 with the Firstlogic-processor 110 being on the equipment), when the equipment is inuse (and stationary) adjacent to the patient the Second logic-processor120 can relay this information to the Receiver 130 and then presented tothe monitor, which software can be used to check treatment assignmentand schedule to determine if a match has been achieved.

Fixed Second logic-processor 120 may be used to provide monitoringinformation for fixed equipment to provide information on operationalstatus as well as service, calibration and other factors. They can alsobe used to monitor room environments and other areas for correcttemperature, humidity, sound levels, light levels and warn for airbornecontaminants such as biological and chemical agents, allergens andradioactive contamination.

Translogic-processors 190 are hermaphroditic logic-processors that canpreferably serve as second logic-processors 120 or firstlogic-processors 110. Second logic-processor 120 utilize motion sensorsto assist in locating hospital equipment and patients in multistorybuildings by relating the start and stop of motion of specific itemswith the initial capture or ultimate loss of a local polling signal or acombination of local polling signals, thus providing the ability totrack equipment and patients on elevators, in shielded or metal walledrooms and outside the building. A tri-axial accelerometer can be used toseparate vertical motion in an elevator form horizontal motion along acorridor. This can be combined with the analysis of other sensedparameters such as whether a wheel chair holds a patient or is empty, ora piece of equipment is powered but not operating or powered andoperating.

In a Translogic-processor 190, the Second logic-processor 120 and Firstlogic-processor 110 are different configurations of the same systemcomponent. The Battery Connector is the same for both and the Secondlogic-processor hardware can be interchanged although the firmware 152is different. The primary difference is the Second logic-processor 120has a long-range transmitter while the First logic-processor 110 has avery short-range transmitter that can be achieved by a simple componentvalue change biasing the transmitter stage differently and by reducingthe length of the antenna. Additionally the Second logic-processor 120has a polling Receiver 130 the First logic-processor 110 does not, butthat can be achieved by simply not populating those circuit componentswhen using the Second logic-processor as a First logic-processor 110.

The benefit of this concept is that it reduces tooling, manufacturingand parts inventory costs and provides the ability to quickly adjust toapplications that have large differences in the ratio of Secondlogic-processor 120 to First logic-processor 110. Since the Secondlogic-processor 120 and First logic-processor 110 can be reprogrammed inthe field, a Second logic-processor programmed at the factory as aSecond logic-processor 120 can be reprogrammed into a Firstlogic-processor 110 in the field. The reprogramming would also includedisabling the polling Receiver 130 circuit. One other very unique aspectis that Second logic-processor 120 and First logic-processor 110 can beinterchanged to provide greater functional versatility. For example, aSecond logic-processor 120 could be located in a fixed location while aFirst logic-processor 110 could be located on movable piece of equipmentor a person. In either case both the First logic-processor 110 and theSecond logic-processor 120 could also have, or be connected to, sensorsor state indicators. The difference is that the stationary systemcomponent relays the information back to the Receiver 130 instead of themovable component. When there are many doorways and other location sitesbut far fewer equipments or people to monitor, one benefit of system 100is that it reduces the amount of radio frequency transmissions becausethe beacon component (the First logic-processor 110) is now only locatedon the equipment or people instead of every doorway or location site.Preferably, Second logic-processor 120 still only transmits when it hasa status change to report. Another advantage of this configuration isthat the relative positions of the Second logic-processor 120 andReceiver 130 can be adjusted during installation to provide the best andmost reliable long range radio frequency communication. Because themoving component now only has to transmit a very short distance to aSecond logic-processor 120 in an optimum location, that radio frequencycommunication will not be affected by the building structure or metalinstallations.

A further benefit of this system concept is that the interchange ofSecond logic-processor 120 and First logic-processor 110 can beselectively implemented around the facility depending on which providesthe most optimum performance in a given area. An MRI room, for example,would need to have the long range Second logic-processor 120 located ata site known to be able communicate reliably with a Receiver 130,whereas in wards, lobbies, wide corridors, cafeterias and similar areas,the Second logic-processor 120 is more appropriately located on themovable items.

The beginning of the transmission of both Second logic-processor 120 andFirst logic-processor 110 contains a preamble that defines the format ofthe following transmission. This preamble also provides theidentification of the transmission as coming from a Secondlogic-processor 120 and First logic-processor 110. Although Secondlogic-processor 120 and First logic-processor 110 can be the identicalin terms of hardware, a First logic-processor 110 does not have aReceiver 130 or it is inhibited when a Second logic-processor 120 isused as a First logic-processor 110. A First logic-processor 110 willtypically have a lower power transmitter or when a Secondlogic-processor 120 is used as a First logic-processor 110 it willnormally have its transmitter powered down. Normally, a Receiver 130 isprogrammed only to accept a Second logic-processor 120's transmissionand it has high gain antennae for that purpose, Second logic-processor120 have the capability of receiving First logic-processor 110 signalsand since they have very short range receive antenna this contributes toshort range reception between First logic-processor 110 and Secondlogic-processor 120.

However, First logic-processor 110 can be located within range of aReceiver 130's high gain antenna and as indicated the typicalapplication would require a First logic-processor 110 to contain atransmission bit showing it is a First logic-processor 110 and that itssignal is to be ignored and the Receiver 130 is then also programmed toignore signals received that include such a First logic-processor 110transmission bit. However, there are circumstances where the Firstlogic-processor 110's transmission is intended to be delivered to theReceiver 130 in which case the identification bit is modified to allowthis, and then the Receiver 130 is programmed to ignore Firstlogic-processor 110 transmissions except when this modification ispresent. This application is particularly valuable when a Receiver 130is located close to an area or fixed object that needs to be monitoredusing a standard installed system in a dual-purpose mode.

Another unique variation of this system is an application involvingtransmissions between Second logic-processor 120. Normally a Secondlogic-processor 120 receiving a nearby signal from another Secondlogic-processor 120 will identify it as a Second logic-processor 120transmission and ignore it. However, again for Second logic-processor120 that intend their signals to be read by certain other Secondlogic-processor 120 the Second logic-processor 120 identification bitwill be modified and the selected receiving Second logic-processor 120will be programmed to receive these signals.

For fixed Second logic-processor 120 this feature can be used forrelaying data around a hospital without requiring Receiver 130participation such as within an MRI facility or other location where thelong-range reception of a Receiver 130 is not possible. In this mode theSecond logic-processor 120 are programmed to act as Repeaters.

In the case of moving Second logic-processor 120 it can be used tomonitor the proximity of two Second logic-processor 120 or the lack ofsuch proximity such as between a patient and a piece of equipment,between a mother and her recently delivered baby, a person and theirassigned wheel chair, or a quarantined patient who shouldn't be nearanother person or in a restricted area.

The monitoring of many other parameters can be handled by the samesystem such as identifying the delivery and distribution of equipmentand items around the hospital from drugs to transplantable organs, ormatching blood and X-rays to the correct patient and for theinventorying of hospital capital assets such as computers, printers,shedders, scanners, televisions, phones all of which can be eitherlocated or tracked, if the have a Second logic-processor 120 and analert can be displayed whenever these items are removed from theirassigned location, or being removed from the building withoutauthorization.

FIG. 4 is a receiver flowchart according to a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention. Preferably, system 100 further comprises Receiver130. Preferably, Receiver 130 receives communicated information fromfirst logic-processors 110. Preferably, Receiver 130 receivescommunicated information from second logic-processors 120. Preferably,Receiver 130 comprises wireless receptor 162. Preferably, wirelessreceptor 162 receives wireless communications. Preferably, wirelessreceptor 162 is structured to enhance sensitivity to signals intendedfor reception by wireless receptor 162.

Preferably, system 100 further comprises database 140. Preferably,database 140 manipulates the information communicated between Receiver130, First logic-processor 110, and Second logic-processor 120.Preferably, the Receiver 130 can be embodied in a fixed format,preferably, using two receive channels for diversity or for a PDAapplication a single receive channel either integrated into the PDAusing a serial interface or as a PCMCIA card. In the latter case thePCMCIA card may be implemented using a PCB thin film radiator on thecard serving as the antenna, or a Splatch commercial networked antenna,or an external stub or whip antenna. All three versions have been buildand tested. The external antenna version includes end connectors on thePCMCIA card, an MMCX connector for the antenna a 4-pin connector forprogramming and a 15 pin connector for testing or use in a serial outputmode. The fixed Receiver 130 can be implemented in a PCI format forintegration into a PC, a PC-104 format for use with an imbeddedprocessor in a PC-104 styled Receiver 130, or a dual PCMCIA slot PC-104board can be used and the external antenna PCMCIA card simply pluggedinto one slot. The second slot can either be used for a PCMCIA modem fortransmitting information to a control center by radio frequency or tophone jack, or it can be used for a second PCMCIA Receiver 130 card toprovide diversity. In the case of high gain antenna(s) requiring lowloss cable connections, a bulkhead connector(s) would be provided on theReceiver 130 case for that connection and a micro-coax cable(s) wouldconnect from the bulkhead connector(s) to the PCMCIA MMCX connector(s).

The Receiver 130 has a 16-bit attenuator ahead of the radio frequencyReceiver 130 which with a wide choice of antennae from ¼ wave Helicalantennae to high gain Yagi antenna can be used to limit the range ofReceiver 130 both at the installation stage as well as by instructionsdelivered by the two-way wired or wireless Receiver 130 communicationslink.

The Receiver 130 is capable of receiving Second logic-processor 120transmissions from a distance of up to 1500 feet depending on the natureof the receiving antenna. The Receiver 130 on receiving a Secondlogic-processor 120's transmission then extracts the Secondlogic-processor 120's unique code and the polling code, and time stampsthe entry. This provides real time information on the identity andstatus of an item and the time it was at or passed a specific location.One Receiver 130 can cover an area having a radius of 1500 feet and canmonitor a large number of items or people without risk of collisionerrors because the Second logic-processor 120 typically only transmitwhen they are moving and then only when they first receive a pollingtransmission and after loosing a polling transmission. The short rangeof the polling transmitter limits the number of Second logic-processor120 responding to those within several feet of the timing location, andeven then is limited to the first and last poll reception, although thesystem is capable of receiving transmissions from several hundred Secondlogic-processor 120 polled simultaneously.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a power source according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention. Preferably, first logic processors110 and second logic-processors 120 each comprises power source 160.Preferably, power source 160 provides electrical power. Preferably,power source 160 comprises power life extender 161. Preferably, powerlife extender 161 extends the life of power source 160 by assistingintermittent operation.

FIG. 6-00 and FIG. 6-01 are perspective views of an electric circuitaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.Preferably, First logic-processor 110 and second logic processor 120each comprise electric circuit 151. Preferably, electric circuit 151processes information. Preferably, electric circuit 151 processesinformation received from other logic-processors 110 and 120.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a wireless system according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, firstcommunicators 111 and second communicators 121 each comprise wirelesssystems 155. Preferably, wireless systems 155 provide for wirelesscommunication of information.

Preferably, first logic-processors 110 and second logic-processors 120each comprise identifier 154. Preferably, identifier 154 uniquelyidentifies each of the first logic processors 110. Preferably,identifier 154 uniquely identifies each of the second logic processors120. Preferably, first communicator 111 and second communicator 121 eachoperate at a frequency within the range consisting of radio frequency.Preferably, first communicator 111 and second communicator 121 eachoperate at a frequency within the range consisting of ultrasonicfrequency. Preferably, first communicator 111 and second communicator121 each operate at a frequency within the range consisting of UVfrequency. Preferably, first communicator 111 and second communicator121 each comprise non-continuous signaler 156. Preferably,non-continuous signaler 156 provides for non-continuous communicationbetween first logic-processors 110, second logic processors 120, andreceivers 130. Preferably, first communicator 111 and secondcommunicator 121 each comprise optimized signaler 157. Preferably,optimized signaler 157 provides optimized power consumption whengenerating non-continuous communications.

FIG. 8 is a firmware flowchart according to a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention. Preferably, electric circuit 151 comprisesfirmware 152. Preferably, firmware 152 provides for hardware, which canbe modified as if it were software. Firmware 152 is also referred to inthe arts as “middleware”. Preferably, firmware 152 can be modified bywireless system 155.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a network coupler according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

Preferably, Receiver 130 comprises network coupler 158. Preferably,network coupler 158 communicatively couples Receiver 130 to outsidenetworks. Preferably, network coupler 158 comprises the internet,Personal Computers (PC's), Personal Digital Assistants (PDA's), LocalArea Networks (LAN's), radios, cellular phones, and PCMCIA's. Uponreading the teachings of this specification, persons of ordinary skillin the art will now understand that, considering issues such astechnology, cost, and efficiency, other network couplers such as radios,cellular phones, personal computers (PC's), etc., may suffice.

FIG. 10 is a sensor sampling table according to a preferred embodimentof the present invention. Preferably, system 100 further comprisessensor 150. Preferably, sensor 150 senses local information. Preferably,sensor 150 senses local information attachable to at least one subsetfirst logic-processors 110. Preferably, sensor 150 senses localinformation attachable to at least one subset second logic-processors120.

Preferably, system 100 receives the status or state change of an itemfrom the state sensor 150 by way of a plurality of fixed statusbroadcasters. Preferably, system 100 receives the state change of theitem from state sensor 150 by way of the plurality of mobile statusbroadcasters. Preferably, system 100 determines the requirement tobroadcast the state change by the plurality of fixed statusbroadcasters. Preferably, system 100 determines the requirement tobroadcast the state change by way of the plurality of mobile statusbroadcasters. Preferably, system 100 broadcasts the required state bythe plurality of fixed status broadcasters. Preferably, system 100broadcasts the required state change by way of the plurality of mobilestatus broadcasters. Preferably, system 100 receives the required statechange from the plurality of fixed status broadcasters. Preferably,system 100 receives the required state change from the plurality ofmobile status broadcasters. Preferably, system 100 stores the requiredstate change in database 140. Preferably, system 100 reports therequired state change to a proactive entity.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a second logic-processor according toanother preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably,system 100 is used for remotely locating, identifying, tracking,monitoring, interrogating, and sensing such items as containers andcontainer contents, vehicles, crates, packages and personal belongings;people in theme parks, cruise liners, multistory buildings, universitycampuses, golf courses and shopping malls; and the conditions of vehiclewheel and axle systems, clean room environments, water quality, aircraftsystems and the contents of vending machines. Other remote accessapplications include video surveillance, radioactivity monitoring,sniffing for explosives and drugs, and other security and lawenforcement activities. Preferably, second logic processor 120 isattached to wheels of cargo vessels. Preferably, Second logic-processor120 comprises communicator 121, tapered separator 1003, and power source160, as shown. Preferably, Second logic-processor 120 is attached withstrap 1005 and grommet 1006. Preferably, Second logic-processor 120 ispositioned in the drop center of the wheel 1007. Preferably, powersource 160 comprises a battery. Preferably, First logic-processor 110(not shown) polls for second logic-processors 120, and such informationis received by Receiver 130 (not shown). Preferably, all logicprocessors 110 and 120, as well as Receiver 130, may be equipped withcleats that provide for the ability to withstand high shock and g-forcestresses.

Furthermore with the ability to send emergency information immediatelyutilizing network couplers 158, any sensed or monitoring information canbe delivered in real time to anywhere in the world, all with a singleReceiver 130 or with an arrayed set of identical receivers 130.Preferably, Connectors 131 and 132 can have a variety of features fromsimply a sealed cap to protect the connector when used only for testing,programming and only beacon application, to a custom connector forinterfacing with customer provided sensors, and a wide choice of activesensing and communicating connectors, that can range from GPS andfixed-frame video, to wheel and axle monitoring that includes pressure,temperature, acceleration and acoustic sensors, and to the inclusion ofa variety of telemetry functions.

Preferably, the Signal Strength Indication (SSI) technology imbedded inReceiver 130 consists of a 16-bit comparator. The accurate locationfeatures of the system integrate this SSI feature with wireless receptor162. Preferably, wireless receptor 162 comprises a PIN diode-switchedeight-antenna array. Preferably, this eight-antenna array can beconfigured as four pairs of dual orthogonal antennae located equidistantfrom the Receiver 130 in a North, East, South and West type ofdeployment or if diversity is not required the Receiver 130 can handle adistributed array of eight antennae, providing an even more accuratelocation capability. In applications where the high gain antennae areused to provide significant range (such as omni angle or Yagi) a LowNoise Amplifier may be required at each antenna. For example, when using¼ wave helical antennae, the Second logic-processor 120 read range istypically about 100 feet to about 125 feet. In this case, the antennaeare located about 50 feet from the Receiver 130 in perpendiculardirections. The SSI sensitivity is about ±1.5 feet near the Receiver 130to about ±4 feet far from the Receiver 130, over an area ofapproximately 32,000 square feet, using a single Receiver 130. By usingadditional, appropriately located Receiver 130, the accuracy can bemaintained at about ±1.5 feet over a much larger area. About 1000receivers 130 would be required to cover a square mile instead of about5000 conventional Receivers 130 with the same receptor 162.

Using ¼ wave whip antennae, Second logic-processor 120 read range istypically about 150 feet to about 175 feet. In this case the antennaeare located about 75 feet from the Receiver 130 in perpendiculardirections. The SSI sensitivity is about ±2.5 feet near the Receiver130, to about ±6 feet far from the Receiver 130, over an area ofapproximately 65,000 square feet, using a single Receiver 130. By usingadditional, appropriately located receivers 130, the accuracy can bemaintained at about ±2.5 feet over a much larger area. About 500receivers 130 would be required to cover a square mile instead of about2500 conventional receivers 130 with the same antenna. Using high-gainomni-antennae, Second logic-processor 120 read range is typically about400 feet to about 450 feet. In this case, the antennae are located about200 feet from the Receiver 130, preferably in perpendicular directions.

Receiver 130 has a number of wireless system 155 options that areachieved by using a multi-protocol processor and software platforms thataddress the 802.11, Bluetooth, HomePlug, Ethernet, SMS, GSM, CDSA andUSB networking protocols, providing solutions that are designed fordeployment in wireless access points, gateways and VoIP phones, and incommercial/industrial equipment. This provides the ability tostandardize LITMIS systems around a single platform while preserving theflexibility to bring a wide variety of product variations into anintegrated system via software changes only. This enables compliancewith the latest specifications that can be executed instantaneouslythrough software upgrade through the Internet. The integration of thistechnology in the Receiver 130 provides a single adaptable platform,enabling connectivity with numerous communications and device physicalinterfaces like 802.11, Ethernet, MII, I2C, SPI, GPSI, UART and USB. Theheart of this feature is a 120MIPS deterministic processor, complementedwith on-chip high-speed flash and SRAM memory. Preferably, twofull-duplex serializers/deserializers enable software implementation ofmost common device I/O, including on-chip Ethernet MAC and PHY.

FIG. 12 is an alternative perspective view of a second logic processoraccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the sections of a second logic processoraccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.Preferably, system 100 comprises mounting cleats 1010, strap 1005, andgrommet 1006.

FIG. 14 is a posterior view of the sections of a second logic-processoraccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.Preferably, cleats 1010 (two per connector) thread onto strap 1005,which attaches around the drop center of the wheel 1007, and is heldtight with grommet 1006. Preferably, the underside of each cleat 1010has a high friction surface to resist and assist in preventing theSecond logic-processor 120 from slipping and moving from its installedlocation.

Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments ofthis invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of thisinvention includes such modifications as diverse shapes and sizes andmaterials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims as read inconnection with the above specification. Further, many other advantagesof applicant's invention will be apparent to those skilled in the artfrom the above descriptions and the below claims.

1. A load safeguard system, co-operable with at least one database, formonitoring, within at least one determinable environment, at least oneitem requiring monitoring of at least one sensible condition,comprising, in combination: a) a set of first logic-processor means, forlogical transacting with receivable information, respectively associatedwith a respective set of locations within at least one determinableenvironment; and b) a plurality of second logic-processor means, forlogical transacting with receivable information, respectively associatedwith a plurality of such at least one items; c) wherein essentially eachof said set of first logic-processor means comprises first communicatormeans for communicative coupling with essentially each of said pluralityof second logic-processor means; d) wherein essentially each of saidplurality of second logic-processor means comprises second communicatormeans for communicative coupling with essentially each of said set offirst logic-processor means; e) wherein essentially each of saidplurality of second logic-processor means comprises sensor means forsensing at least one environmental condition; and f) wherein essentiallyeach of said set of first logic-processor means comprises thirdcommunicator means for communicative coupling with such at least onedatabase.
 2. The load safeguard system according to claim 1, wherein: a)such at least one item comprises at least one shippable package; and b)such at least one determinable environment comprises at least oneshipping environment.
 3. The load safeguard system according to claim 2,wherein: a) such at least one item comprises perishable produce; and b)such at least one determinable environment comprises at least onetemperature-controllable shipping truck.
 4. A system, co-operable withat least one database, for monitoring items within a local area,comprising, in combination: a) a set of first logic-processor means, forlogical transacting with receivable information, respectively associatedwith a plurality of locations within the local area; and b) a pluralityof second logic-processor means, for logical transacting with receivableinformation, respectively associated with a plurality of the items; c)wherein essentially each of said set of first logic-processor meanscomprises first communicator means for communicative coupling withessentially each of said plurality of second logic-processor means; andd) wherein essentially each of said plurality of second logic-processormeans comprises second communicator means for communicative couplingwith essentially each of said set of first logic-processor means.
 5. Asystem, co-operable with at least one database, for monitoring itemswithin a local area, comprising, in combination: a) a set of firstlogic-processors structured and arranged to provide logical transactionwith receivable information, respectively associated with a plurality oflocations within the local area; and b) a plurality of secondlogic-processors structured and arranged to provide logical transactionwith receivable information, respectively associated with a plurality ofthe items; c) wherein essentially each of said set of firstlogic-processors comprises at least one first communicator structuredand arranged to communicatively couple with essentially each of saidplurality of second logic-processors; and d) wherein essentially each ofsaid plurality of second logic-processors comprises at least one secondcommunicator structured and arranged to communicatively couple withessentially each of said set of first logic-processors.
 6. The systemaccording to claim 5 further comprising at least one receiver structuredand arranged to receive communicated information from at least one ofthe group consisting essentially of each of said set of firstlogic-processors and each of said plurality of second logic-processors.7. The system according to claim 6 further comprising such at least onedatabase structured and arranged to manipulate such receivableinformation.
 8. The system according to claim 6 wherein said at leastone receiver comprises at least one wireless receptor structured andarranged to receive such receivable information.
 9. The system accordingto claim 6 wherein said at least one receiver comprises at least onenetwork coupler structured and arranged to communicatively couple saidat least one receiver with at least one of the group consisting of: a)Global System for Mobile Communications systems (GSM); b) GlobalPositioning Systems (GPS) c) Internet; d) personal computers; e)personal digital assistants; f) local area networks; g) radios; h)cellular phones; i) wireless networks; and j) personal computer memorycard international associations (PCMCIA's) for wireless applications.10. The system according to claim 5 wherein said at least one firstcommunicator and said at least one second communicator each comprise atleast one wireless system structured and arranged to wirelessly assistcommunicative coupling.
 11. The system according to claim 10 whereinsaid at least one first communicator and said at least one secondcommunicator comprise at least one frequency within the range consistingof about radio frequency.
 12. The system according to claim 5 whereinessentially each of said set of first logic-processors and essentiallyeach of said plurality of second logic-processors comprise at least oneidentifier structured and arranged to uniquely identify essentially eachone of said plurality of first logic-processors and essentially each oneof said plurality of second logic-processors.
 13. The system accordingto claim 5 further comprising at least one sensor structured andarranged to sense local information, attachable to at least one subsetof at least one of the group consisting essentially of each of said setof first logic-processors and each of said plurality of secondlogic-processors.
 14. The system according to claim 5 whereinessentially each of said set of first logic-processors and essentiallyeach of said plurality of second logic-processors comprise at least onepower source structured and arranged to provide electrical power. 15.The system according to claim 5 wherein said at least one firstcommunicator and said at least one second communicator comprise at leastone non-continuous signaler structured and arranged to providenon-continuous communications.
 16. The system according to claim 15wherein said at least one non-continuous signaler comprises at least oneoptimized signaler structured and arranged to provide optimized powerconsumption when generating non-continuous communications.
 17. Thesystem according to claim 5 wherein essentially each of said set offirst logic-processors and essentially each of said plurality of secondlogic-processors comprise at least one electric circuit structured andarranged to process data.
 18. The system according to claim 17 whereinsaid at least one electric circuit comprises at least one firmwarestructured and arranged to provide modification of said set of firstlogic-processors and modification of said plurality of secondlogic-processors.
 19. The system according to claim 18 wherein said atleast one first communicator from at least one of said set of firstlogic-processors is communicatively coupleable with at least one of saidplurality of second logic-processors so that said at least one firmwareof said at least one of said plurality of second logic-processors may bemodified by said at least one first communicator.
 20. The systemaccording to claim 18 wherein said at least one second communicator fromat least one of said plurality of second logic-processors iscommunicatively coupleable with at least one of said plurality of firstlogic-processors so that said at least one firmware of said at least oneof said plurality of first logic-processors may be modified by said atleast one second communicator.